BS Thomas Kirkland Devitt Hr., MDiv., DMin.

In Loving Memory of The Reverend Doctor Thomas Kirkland Devitt, BS, Hr., MDiv., DMin.

The Reverend Doctor Thomas Kirkland Devitt, retired Pastor and Army Colonel (Chaplain), passed away on December 7, 2025, at the age of 86 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born on June 25, 1939, to Charles Samuel Devitt and Florence Ellis Devitt, Tom was the youngest among his siblings, all of whom preceded him in death: Charles Jr., Virla E., Harriett J., and James E.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Bradley Devitt, and his six children: Victoria (Alan) Caudill, Douglas T.K. (Lori) Devitt, Lisa (Scott) Oyler, Leigh (Richard) Wetzel, Michael (Shawnie) Dutton, and Amy (James) Smith. He was a proud grandfather to 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy.

Early Life and Military Service

A 1957 graduate of Hartland High School in Hartland, Michigan, Tom enlisted in the Air Force in 1958. Recognizing his potential, the Air Force sent him to Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Police Administration. He then attended Officer Training School and was commissioned as an officer. Tom served as head of Security Police at Mactan Airbase in the Philippines and later as an inspector in the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War era. He continued his service as a Chaplain in the US Army, ultimately retiring as a Colonel after 36 years of distinguished military service.

Ministry and Service

After leaving active duty to pursue his calling, Tom attended seminary in Claremont, California, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree. He became an ordained minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served faithfully as both a local church pastor and a regional denominational leader for over 30 years. Tom's commitment to service extended beyond the church. He joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Fiji, where he specialized in community development, further demonstrating his passion for helping others.

Personal Transformation and Family

In 1990, Tom married Pamela Bradley Devitt, marking a new and transformative chapter in his life. While serving his last local church, Tom experienced a profound spiritual awakening-a dramatic conversion and baptism in the Holy Spirit at a Pentecostal church in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. This experience deeply shaped his faith and ministry, inspiring him to share the freedom and healing he found in Christ with others. A prophetic word from Isaiah 54:2-3 became a guiding force for the next 30 years of his life.

Global Ministry and Legacy

After retiring from pulpit ministry, Tom and Pam became qualified Restoring the Foundations (RTF) ministers and trainers, dedicated to Hope, Healing, and Freedom ministry. They answered the call to establish RTF in the United Kingdom and Europe, living in Bath and traveling throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and even spending time in Russia. Upon returning to the United States, they continued to minister, teach, and train with RTF.

Tom later became an Anglican Priest, which enabled him to further his ministry within the Anglican Church in both the USA and Africa.

A Life of Joy and Impact

Tom's greatest joy was sharing the love of the Father through the Holy Spirit. He was known for his exuberant, joy-filled worship and his desire for everyone to experience the same freedom and joy he found in Jesus Christ. Tom leaves a legacy of hope, healing, and freedom, having touched hundreds-if not thousands-of lives. His influence extended far and wide, truly embodying the spirit of Isaiah 54:2-3. He will be remembered as a mighty man of God.

Memorial Gifts

Memorial gifts may be made to:

Twin Cities Rescue Mission, Marysville, CA

Restoring The Foundations International, Mt. Juliette, TN