Delmar Devoss

POCATELLO-Delmar Duane DeVoss, 89, passed away on Aug. 6, 2011 at the Veteran's Home. He was born to Jesse and Ada Calista Johnson DeVoss on Sept. 30, 1921 in Ocheyedan, IA. Delmar had an older brother, James , and an older sister Gladys. He spent the first 16 years of his life in Ocheyedan with his family on the farm. He was active in 4-H, played baseball, basketball, and was involved in boxing. His family moved in the spring of 1937 to Gruver, IA and there he met a pretty brown haired girl named Trella Whitacre. In 1938 they graduated from Gruver High School in a class of about 25 students. He remained in the area and helped his father on the farm. On July 7, 1940 Delmar and Trella were married in Ponca, NE. They remained in the Gruver/Estherville area until Delmar enlisted for Army Basic training in 1942, he attended Flight School from 43-44, and he left active service in 1945. Delmar was recalled to active service in 1947. He served during WWII as a flight instructor. Delmar and Trella moved often in the military, living in Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington DC, Alaska, Texas, Japan, and finally in Tennessee where he retired in 1963. During their married life they moved over 40 times. Delmar graduated from Middle Tennessee College with a degree in Business and returned to work for the government in the Social Security Administration. He worked for the SSA in Colorado, then Idaho, where he retired in 1983. Everywhere that Delmar lived he has been involved with hunting, bowling, skeet shooting, camping, and touring around the area to see the sights. After his retirement, he and Trella routinely put 100 miles a week on their car driving through Arbon Valley, Garden Gap, Inkom, Blackfoot, and Malad areas looking for deer and other interesting things to see. Whoever saw the first deer got a kiss, Delmar cheated and always saw his "dear" beside him! Delmar and Trella have lived in Pocatello for over 37 years. They have been active in the Presbyterian Church and served where ever they were needed, from financial matters to greeters. They greatly appreciated the friendships they made there. Delmar, with his sweetheart by his side, seldom missed an ISU game. They went to volleyball, women's and men's basketball, soccer and football. They were members of the Bengal Boosters and for years attended the monthly luncheon to meet the coaches and players. Delmar is survived by his wife of 71 years, Trella; his children and their spouses, Dale and Marlene DeVoss, Pocatello ID, Darrel and Elaine DeVoss, Chesterfield VA, Dean DeVoss and Nora Dwyer, Houston TX, and Dock and Nancy Farrens, Pocatello ID; 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at 11:00 am, at the Presbyterian Church 202 South 7 th (corner of 7 th and Lewis). A graveside service will follow immediately after the funeral at the Mountain View Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. Calling hours will be held on Friday evening, August 12, between 7:00 and 8:30 at the Colonial Funeral Home at 2005 South Fourth Avenue. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations in Delmar's name be sent to the Idaho State University Bengal Boosters ISU Stop 8173, Pocatello, ID 83209. Many thanks are given to Delmar's friends and associates, and the caring staff at the Idaho Veteran's Home. Map to First Presbyterian Church [mappress mapid="2"]