KENNETH EUGENE DEVRIES

Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home

Kenneth Eugene DeVries, 87, of West Richland, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2011, at his home.

Kenneth was born January 17, 1924, to Ethel and Peter DeVries at their home in Montrose, Colorado. After graduating from high school in Colorado, Ken joined the United States Navy and served under Company 623-44, Regiment 3, Battalion 10 as a cook during World War II.

In the summer of 1946, Ken met the love of his life, Ruby Martin. They soon married on January 10, 1948, in Stamford, Texas. In 1950, Ken and Ruby moved to Kennewick, WA, where he worked as a meat cutter for Sherman's Market. In 1953, Ken joined Teamsters Local 839 and worked as a bread truck driver for 35 years. They moved to West Richland, WA, in 1975. Ken loved to be busy, so after retirement from the Teamsters, he worked at Desert Buick selling cars.

Throughout his life, Ken enjoyed being with family, dancing, woodworking, attending rodeos and accompanying Ruby and the gals on their gambling trips. He was an avid fisherman and bird hunter.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby; brothers, Clarence, Leslie, and Gerald DeVries; sisters, Wilma and Arlene. He is survived by his brother, Thurlow DeVries of Olathe, Colorado; son, Cecil DeVries of Burbank, WA; son, Kenneth 'Rick' DeVries and wife Joyce of Goldendale, WA; and daughter, Diane Wade and her husband Steve of Kennewick, WA; 4 grandchildren: Jason, Kristi, Ryan, and Kenny; and 3 great-grandchildren; and also his dancing partner and beloved friend, Wanda Ling of Grandview.

Ken will be greatly missed, but always remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 24, at 1 p.m. at Kennewick First United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Kennewick Avenue and Dayton. Graveside services to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to First United Methodist Church or Hospice.

The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.