Vincent "Vin" Devers

DEVERS Vincent "Vin" May 10, 1920 0ctober 21, 2009 Area Automobile Dealer passed away with his family by his side, due to complications from Alzheimer's. Vin loved living in Toledo, and was a strong promoter of the area. To anyone who would ask why he chose to live here, Vin was quick to talk up the great location, schools, arts, cost of living, and the ease of driving around our town. After explaining these features he would always invite them to visit and see for themselves. The visit would eventually end up with one of Vin's other passions, a boat ride out on Lake Erie. He was born in Lakewood, Ohio, to parents, William and Bertha Devers. The family moved to Toledo and Vin started working at the Willy's Overland Plant as a tool and die maker, and Union Steward. When W.W.II started he enlisted in the United States Navy, and was assigned to a destroyer escort, as a machinist mate. After the war he returned to Toledo and began working at Spicer. In 1953 Vin married the "love of his life" Joan. They were married at the Rosary Cathedral here in Toledo. As a young man he was always fascinated with Automobiles, and soon he was talked into coming to work at Bob Reece Ford, located in downtown Toledo. Vin started as a rookie salesperson, and soon advanced to sales manager. He was eventually promoted to General Manager when Bob Reece retired to Arizona. When the dealership was sold, Vin went out on his own and purchased an automobile dealership on North Main Street in Sylvania. He had to persuade the owner, Mr. Ernie Schaber into retiring, and selling him the store. That was 1956 when Vin Devers Mercury opened their doors for the first time! He soon added English Ford's and then Triumph Sports Cars to the mix. Vin also expanded his used car lot, adding another one further south on Main St. next to the current J&G Pizza Restaurant. In 1968 Vin decided to build a more modern dealership at 5272 Monroe Street. This location sold Lincoln-Mercury, Triumph, and added Mercedes-Benz in 1969. Vin saw an opportunity when his friend, Lee Iacocca moved from Ford to Chrysler. He contacted him to ask his opinion on buying a Chrysler brand dealership. Lee told him, "Vin, get yourself a store as I am going to turn this company around." So Dad gathered up the family and told us he purchased the former Glass City Dodge store located on Alexis and Telegraph. The rest is history, as Dodge soon became the #1 volume franchise with Chrysler. He relocated the dealership to the current Monroe Street location in 1981, adding Audi and later Porsche to the store. Vin was always noted as a kind and caring person. He was proud to say that his handshake was "his word." As many of his contracts for building and remodeling were done strictly on his word, and a handshake! Vin was always active with the different Automobile Associations. He served as President of the Toledo Automobile Association (TADA) three times. He also served as Trustee of the Ohio Auto Dealers Association from 1977-1982. Vin was a member of the Lincoln-Mercury Dealer Council, ending up as its National Chairman. He also served as Past President of the Sales Executive Club of Toledo. Even though his wife suffered with MS, they traveled extensively, making lasting friendships from their travels. They also enjoyed helping young people get ahead in life and supporting their favorite charities. Dad always would like to remain anonymous with gifts, saying that, "knowing that you helped out" was good enough for him. Vin was a Lifetime member of the Scottish Rite, a member of the Fort Industry Lodge F&AM, where he was a 32nd degree Mason. He was also a member of the Inverness Country Club, the Catawba Island Club, the Toledo Yacht Club, the Rattlesnake Island Club, the Crews Nest, and the Royal Palm Yacht Club, Ft. Myers, Florida, where Vin and Joan enjoyed many years of spectacular sunsets over the beach from their condo balcony. He is survived by his loving family, sons. Paul (Elise) and their children, Brandi, Paige, Brooke (Roget), and Tom Devers and his children, Ryan, Shane, Hailey, and Ceara; great-grandson, Christian Aouad; sister, Lucille Cordray; and many nieces and nephews. Vin was preceded in death by his wife, Joan in December of 2006. Friends may call at the Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania, OH, Sunday, October 25th from 4 - 9 p.m., where Funeral Services will be held Monday at 11 a.m., entombment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. The Toledo Fort Industry Lodge #144 will conduct a service Sunday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to thank all of the medical professionals, nursing home staffs, and caregivers, especially Elizabeth Bass and Kyle Meidt. These caring people made Dad's life much more comfortable. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org or the Multiple Sclerosis Society www.nationalmssociety.com Friends wishing to share a memory of Vin or offer condolences to his family are encouraged to do so at www.reebfuneralhome.com Remember: A person's life isn't measured in the number of years between their birth and death. But by the quality of the contributions and accomplishments made inside of those dates!