John Devenyns Obituary

Having fought a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer, John Clifford Devenyns died on August 22nd, with as much grace and dignity as one can muster when stricken with such a terrible disease. Born on February 06, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, John was the eldest child of Clifford and Anna Marie (nee Moranville) Devenyns. Like many boys growing up in the 1950's, John's time was spent playing baseball, serving as an altar boy, playing with his beagle "Lucky" and his best friend, Danny Siegel. With his family's move to Colorado in 1964, he quickly took to his new home and all it had to offer becoming an avid and life-long, hunter, fisher and outdoorsmen. In the meantime, being the first of eight (8) children came with certain inescapable obligations and John did a great job paving the way for his siblings throughout the tumultuous 1960's.

John's professional life was spent in service to country and community. Upon graduation from Mitchell High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1969 through 1973. While serving overseas in Japan and the Philippines, he was attached to various maritime patrol squadrons that flew numerous missions over Southeast Asia. Promoted to the rank of Second Class Petty Officer, John's specialty was as a Cryptologic Technician, responsible for intercepting and interpreting enemy communications which was forwarded for inclusion in intelligence briefings throughout the fleet.

With an honorable discharge from the Navy, he joined the Colorado Springs Police Department and, for the next 22 years, faithfully served the citizens of Colorado Springs until forced to retire because of injuries incurred in the line of duty. Achieving the rank of Sergeant, John served in various capacities including Patrol Commander, Narcotics Officer and as a member of the Department's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. Though retired, he had a strong desire to continue working and accepted a position with the City of Colorado Springs as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher, serving in that capacity until his illness overtook him.

In addition to, but aside from his primary occupation, John had the spirit of an entrepreneur, at various times owning several different small businesses including the manufacture of milk delivery receptacles for a local dairy, a motor vehicle transportation company and as a cattle rancher in Simla and Calhan.

John is survived by his current wife Tara Ann Devenyns and her three daughters, Celeste (Matt) Rich, Chelsea Mischek and Ashley Wilson. Additionally he is survived by his five children from a previous marriage. They are Erin Kurtchi, John (Tara) Devenyns, Kate (John) Garza, Justin (Amanda) Devenyns and Lindsey (Scott) Killey. In addition to that, John is survived by his mother, Anna Marie Devenyns, five brothers, Michael, Steven, Edward, Douglas and Bruce, and by his very special and lone sister, Cynthia Ann Galloway. John is further survived by a total of 14 grandchildren which does not include one that is due within a few weeks. And finally, John is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford L. Devenyns (2005) and a brother, Richard K. Devenyns (1988).

Memorial Service to celebrate the life of John Clifford Devenyns is scheduled at 1:00PM, Friday, August 28th, 2015, at The Sunnyside Christian Church located at 2025 North Murray Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80915.

All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that family and friends consider making a donation to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care.