Hugh Devore

Hugh Lavern Devore passed away peacefully on Friday, November 20, 2020 at the amazing age of 100 years, in his home in Cushing, Oklahoma.

He was able to visit with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren before his death.

Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2020, in Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater, Oklahoma with Dr. Lee Manzer officiating. Strode Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Hugh was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, to Anna May (Martin) and Arthur Eugene Devore on July 25, 1920, fourth in the line of six children.

When Hugh was seven his father died leaving his mother with six children during the Great Depression. The example of his mother working hard to feed her family stayed with him throughout his life, and he always valued food on the table more than possessions.

A graduate of Vinita High School, he served in the Naval Reserve before he entered the Army on September 14, 1943.

At a movie theater in his home town, a chance meeting occurred with the young woman who would be the love of his life...Phyllis Imogene “Jean” Randolph. He said she was immediately smitten and never wanted him to leave her. Happily, he felt the same.

Hugh and Jean were married on October 4, 1943. Sadly, their happily ever after was interrupted by World War II. Hugh was called to active duty as part of a group who will be forever known as “the greatest generation.”

On June 8, 1944, he landed on the banks of Normandy, two days after D-Day. Out on a bivouac on June 9, he was wounded and sent to recover in England. Upon recovery, he was returned to active duty in France. As with many soldiers, he was reluctant to speak about the war. Later in his life he shared memories that have given the family a sense of the sacrifices made by many for our country.

Hugh was employed by Sun Oil Company until his retirement. There was no worry he would be bored, as he had embraced his children’s love for all thing’s orange and black. Oklahoma State University football, basketball and baseball tickets were always available. Go Pokes!

He excelled at helping with homework and could do math, algebra, and geometry or English assignments in diagramming sentences and memorizing poetry. Some good grades were made as a result of his tutoring.

Grandchildren and greatgrandchildren remember the games they played such as: Crazy 8, Pollyanna, and Parcheesi to name a few.

Other things grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved doing with him — taking walks, checking on his garden, feeding the ducks at the local pond, visiting the neighbor’s cows.

He loved fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, growing them in his garden each year. He always shared his abundance with family and friends.

A Lifetime New York Yankees fan, Hugh leaves behind a legacy of two new generations who follow the Bronx Bombers.

Hugh was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents, Anna and Arthur Devore; four sisters: Lois Sippy, Ladema Schoech, Vermeil Williams, and Vera Tresler; and one brother Charles “C. R.” Devore.

He is survived by his three children: two daughters, Saundra Manzer and husband Lee of Stillwater, OK; Dianne Murray and husband Don of Stillwater, OK; and one son, Terry Devore and wife Cindy of Broken Arrow, OK; seven grandchildren: Britton Fox and husband Scott of Tulsa, OK; Bryndon Manzer and wife Janie of Edmond, OK; Brandye Mix and husband Vance of Yukon, OK; Chase Murray and wife Julie of Buffalo, NY; Skye Sandell and husband Jon of Guthrie, OK; Elizabeth Devore of Broken Arrow, OK; and Sam Devore of Broken Arrow, OK. In addition, great-grandchildren are: Lynley Fox, Taryn Fox Nye, Ashtyn Fox, Stella and Lucy Murray, Brooks and Banks Manzer, and Clay Sandell.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you and appreciation to his neighbors and caregivers who wrapped their arms around him in love, friendship and care.

As a family, we feel blessed to have had the influence and many years of love and support from Hugh and Jean as our parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents. They celebrated 65 years together. On their headstone are the words “Together Forever!’ We believe they got their happily ever after.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.