Lawrence Edwin DeVore

lawrence devore
Lawrence Edwin DeVore, age 92, passed away on July 9, 2017 at the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle, IL. He was born on August 27, 1924, in Princeton, IL, the son of James and Emma (Veverka) DeVore. Lawrence lived and worked the majority of his life in Princeton. After graduation from Princeton High School in 1942 Lawrence attended Kemper Military School in Missouri and officer training in San Francisco. He served in the 71st division of the US army in World War II, seeing action in Germany and Austria. After the war, he served as part of the occupation forces in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1946. During his service in Europe he met his future wife, Lily (Hodler). In true storybook fashion Lily came to Illinois from overseas in the summer of 1951, and following a brief “re-courtship” after a separation of several years Lawrence and Lily married on September 2, 1951. Lawrence always maintained that Lily was without a doubt the absolute best thing that ever happened to him in his life. Lawrence and Lily lived and worked in Princeton, where they owned and managed the Elm Lawn Memorial cemetery for many years. Lawrence was active in the Illinois Cemetery Association and served a term as president. In addition to the cemetery, Lawrence was also involved in real estate and farming during his years in Princeton. Lawrence was a committed member of the Princeton Lions Club for over 50 years and was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Princeton. Lawrence and Lily enjoyed traveling together. They journeyed all over the USA visiting all the states, including Hawaii and Alaska. In addition they traveled overseas to Venezuela, Tanzania, Kenya, the Seychelle Islands, and several countries in Europe. Sadly, Lily died unexpectedly in 1994 after 43 years of marriage to Lawrence. Lawrence is survived by three sons, Roland (Simone) of Monona, WI; Steve (Lonna) of Princeton; and Mark (Anne) of Raleigh, NC; seven grandchildren, Olivia Johnston (Eric) of Princeton; Scott DeVore (Lauren) of Lovell, Wyoming; Ryan DeVore of Broadus, Montana; Veronica DeVore (Heath Gordon) of Bern, Switzerland; Katrina DeVore (Robert Lysholm) of Richfield, Minnesota; Craig and Paige DeVore of Raleigh, NC; two great-grandchildren, Cullen and Scarlett Johnston of Princeton, and a sister, Halcyon (Sue) Faber of LaMoille, IL. Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife, Lily, and a younger brother, Robert DeVore of Princeton. Lawrence had a great love for his family and enjoyed supporting and watching his grandchildren''s activities and events. He cared about his community and helping others. He loved to read and was an inquisitive learner his whole life. Lawrence spent the last few years of his life in the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle, IL. He and his family were always very appreciative of the quality care he received there. The staff and caregivers always treated Lawrence with dignity, respect, and humor. A private service will be held with the family. Burial will be in Elm Lawn Memorial Park. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to Princeton Lions Club or the LaSalle, Illinois Veterans Home. The Grant Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to www.grant-johnsonfh.com.

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  1. My Deepest Sympathy in the passing of your amazing Father. I know he was a wonderful man by the children he raised to adulthood. Thoughts are with all family members both now & the days & times ahead. May God give you all the Peace only He is able to give. Wishing you all hugs & the very best always.


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