Francis Ray DeVoss

Francis Ray DeVoss, 79, passed peacefully at his Covington, IN home Wednesday September25, 2019. He was born April 14, 1940 to Manley and Helen (Wyckoff) DeVoss.  He was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings:  Marcella Miller, Waunita McGinnis, and Kenneth DeVoss, two nephews, and a niece.  He was married to Beverly Cook and June Lilly, both preceded him in death.

In his younger years Francis worked as an Auto Mechanic before becoming an Ironworker. Francis worked all over the country as an Ironworker.  He wasn’t afraid of heights and proved that by walking the steel and riding the crane ball.  Francis was also an entrepreneur, he was the owner/operator of DeVoss Auto Parts, Illinois Fireworks and Illiana Tool before retiring in 2001.

Upon retiring Francis enjoyed gardening, cutting firewood, feeding and watching his humming birds, spending time with his family, and going on cruises with his special friend Mary Hinkle. Francis was the family patriarch and the first one to offer a helping hand to anyone.

Francis leaves as his legacy, his two daughters, Julie (Frank) Fitzwater, Brenda (Darren) Stokes, and his step son Kevin Nelk. He also leaves to cherish his memory his five grandchildren:  Matthew (Melissa) Fitzwater, Michelle (Rob) Farley, Jerrid Smith, Adam Smith and Lana Stokes, seven great grandchildren:  Austin Thompson, Aaron Thompson, Zachary Fitzwater, Ashley Thompson, Emily Fitzwater, Lilliana Smith, and Scarlett Blatteau, one great-great grandson, Memphis Thompson, his nephew Kenneth (Paulette) Miller, his nieces, Debra (Steve) Kothcher, Laura DeVoss and several great and great-great nephews and nieces.

Francis’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to Kay LaGrand, Angie Adair and everyone at Southern Care Hospice for their love, care and compassion.

Visitation will be 7:00 to 9:00 P. M. EDT Monday, September 30, 2019 at Shelby Funeral Home, Covington, IN.  A Celebration of Francis’ life will be Tuesday October 1, 2019 at 11:00 A. M. EDT at Shelby Funeral Home with Rev. James Blue officiating.  Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Danville, IL.  Memorials to the family: www.shelbyfuneralhome.com .

Visitation

Shelby Funeral Home

Monday, September 30, 2019 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 622 3rd Street
Covington, Indiana 47932 Directions Celebration of Life Service

Shelby Funeral Home

Tuesday, October 01, 2019 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM 622 3rd Street
Covington, Indiana 47932 Directions