Harold Dean DeVore

Sept. 17, 1922 — Nov. 18, 2008

SALIDA, Colo. — Harold Dean DeVore, 86, of Coaldale, died Nov. 18, 2008. He was born Sept. 17, 1922 in New London, Iowa, to James Lynn and Bertha Lee (Van Horn) DeVore. He attended school in New London, graduating in 1940.

In 1942, he entered the U.S. Army serving as a tank driver in Tunisia, North Africa, where he suffered numerous shrapnel wounds.

An explosion took all but his little finger from his right hand. Long hospitalization and multiple surgeries restored function to his hand.

Harold was awarded the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged from O’Reilly General Hospital, Missouri, in August 1944.

He married Bernita Hanks in May 1946, in Burlington, Iowa. They were married more than 60 years until her death in 2006.

Harold established and operated DeVore’s Body Repair in New London for many years. His vehicle body and paint skills were well known.

A creative craftsman, he built toys for his children, refinished antique furniture and repaired most any item.

Activities included church, veterans organizations, Cub Scouts, Music Boosters and Little League baseball.

After his retirement from the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, he and Bernita moved in 1988 to Coaldale where he enjoyed mountains surrounding their home.

They were animal lovers and had a cat for nearly 18 years and four dogs over nearly 30 years. Their last dog, Candy, was Harold’s constant companion the last two years.

He will be remembered as a follower of Jesus Christ, a generous man who loved his family and held strong convictions. From the age of 9, he avidly cheered the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Survivors include a daughter, Deanne (Bob) Hunt of Montrose; son, Kyle (Lisa) DeVore of St. Louis, Mo.; two grandsons, Aaron (Blythe) Hunt and Jared (Carrie) Hunt of Colorado Springs; sister, Frances Pitzer of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends and his dog, Candy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and two sisters.

Viewing will be from 10:30 a.m. until the service begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at the Cotopaxi Comunity Church, Cotopaxi, Colo. Interment will follow in Coaldale Cemetery, Coaldale, Colo.

Friends may make memorial contributions to Angel of Shavano Hospice of Salida or Cotopaxi Community Church through Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home, 203 E. Sackett St., Salida, CO 81201 (719) 539-3831.