Captain Ronald Abel DeVos Sept 1, 1937 - July 2, 2023

Ronald Abel DeVos was born Sept 1, 1937 in Roseville, Michigan to Remy & Eyvonne Deneckere DeVos.

Celebration of Life: 11:00 am, Friday, July 7, 2023 at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth followed by a reception and storytelling at the Fort Worth Boat Club.

Memorials: For consideration of contributions in memory, please consider The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, attention: Creel Family Philanthropies. PO Box 100756, Fort Worth, TX 76109 or at www.lls.org/donate or the charity of your choice.

At the age of five the family moved to Orange County, CA where he attended St. Ann's elementary in Santa Ana. In his early childhood years, he enjoyed playing Pop Warner football with guys who have become life-long friends, still verbally recounting scores and plays over 75 years later.

Ron attended Mater Dei High School and set records in track and football; however, he is most proud of the school's 3 Heisman Trophy Winners: Huarte, Leinart & Young. Ron was fortunate to earn a track scholarship to the University of Redlands where he was part of the outstanding 4x440 relay team and member of ROTC. Upon graduation he joined the US Marine Corps, and soon began flight training in Pensacola, FL. After active duty in the Marines, Ron continued his flight career at LA Airways. Several months later he was hired as a pilot for American Airlines, and after over thirty-four years he retired as an MD-11 Captain and check airman.

Ron met his wife, Carol, in Chicago in 1980 when Carol's roommate and fellow flight attendant invited them both to play tennis doubles. They married in 1984 where Ron's son, Joel, was a groomsman. In fact, Ron's greatest accomplishments were not in the sky, but rather in his role as Dad to Joel and Keri.

Ron's retirement years were spent playing golf, traveling, boating, and cheering on his four grandchildren in their sports and academic achievements. Many hours of his day were spent sharing his love of the Lord in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). He loved Eagle Mountain Lake, flying, his boats, new cars, and above all, his family. He was an active member of the Fort Worth Boat Club, The Resort, The Grey Eagles, The Good Neighbors, First United Methodist Church and BSF.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Remy & Eyvonne DeVos; brother, Noel DeVos; sister, Mary Jean DeVos; son, John David DeVos; granddaughter, Amy DeVos; and grandson, Seth DeVos.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Carol; sister, Germaine Jacobson and husband, Robert of Lake Arrowhead, CA; son Joel DeVos and his wife, Lisa; grandson, Chad DeVos and his wife, Katherine; grandson, Cole DeVos all of San Diego; daughter, Keri Hickman and husband, Bradley of Fort Worth and grandchildren, CeCe & Tripp.