Alfred James DeVera

DeVera, Alfred James “Family is all that matters in life”. If you have spent time with Al DeVera, you have learned at least one valuable life lesson. Here are a few: Hats never go out of style; It is better to be too dressed than under-dressed; You can always find the silver lining in every situation; Taking care of family is a top priority; Go Green!

Al could have been a dance instructor. He and his bride’s jitterbugs were always the best on the floor. But instead, he chose the accounting profession. Al worked as the Controller at Eaton Corporation in Cleveland, OH, Harrodsburg, KY, and Marshall, MI where he retired in 1990.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 1, 1935, to Irene Kender and Andrew DeVera and stepson to Donald Ceboll, Al experienced life to its fullest. He spent time with family on a farm in Florida, learned how to count cards in blackjack, and became the husband to Patricia Houdek on June 6, 1959. This was the happiest day of his life---until they had children.

Al and Pat had 6 children: James (deceased 2006), John (deceased 1961), Renee, Karen, Leslie, and Sharon. Al was the most caring father who taught his children to live life to their fullest, to not sweat the small things, to walk through life with confidence and courage, to find fun in all activities, and to take care of each other always.

One of Al’s greatest passions was travel. He took every opportunity to experience as many cultures and countries as possible. He traveled to Japan with the Army in the 1950s, and thoroughly enjoyed his excursions with Pat and his children. Al traveled on many cruises throughout the world, loved trips to Hawaii, visited all 7 continents, and came home with many new hats, shoes, jewelry, and souvenirs. His favorite destination was Rome, where he enjoyed the history, food, wine, coffee, and people.

Al transitioned to his new address in heaven on October 12, 2022. His spirit is carried on by his beloved wife, Patricia (Houdek) DeVera; their four daughters, Renee Thomas, Karen McFarland, Leslie DeVera-Duncan, Sharon Andree, and daughter-in-law, Susan DeVera; their four son-in-law’s, John Thomas, Andrew McFarland, Thomas Duncan, Scott Andree; eight grandchildren, Patricia Alexander, Laura Bibler, Bryan Bibler, Stephen Thomas, Lydia Thomas, Abbie Andree, Elysia DeVera, Zach DeVera, two step-grandchildren, Jessica McFarland, and Andrew McFarland. Also, several greatgrandchildren and great greatgrandchildren.

Because Al loved being surrounded by friends and family, please honor him at a visitation and service at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 North, Marshall, MI 49068 on Friday, October 28, 2022. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the memorial service beginning at 11:00 am. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to either Legacy at the Oaks, Senior Care Facility, 706 North Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or Elara Caring Hospice, 4664 Campus Drive, Suite 101A, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. The care givers at these facilities fell in love with Al quickly and made his last days on Earth comfortable and peaceful.

To share a memory, leave a condolence or sign the online guestbook please visit https://kempffuneralhome.com .