Rev. Michael Vincent McDevitt

Beloved Father Michael Vincent “Mike” McDevitt was born on July 13, 1944, and was received into Heaven on January 9, 2026, surrounded by family.

Mike is survived by his siblings and their spouses, including: brother Ed (Mary) McDevitt; sister-in-law Julie (brother Dennis) McDevitt; sister-in-law Mary (brother Maurice) McDevitt; sister Margaret Mary (Dennis) McCarthy; brother-in-law Steve (sister Marie) Neville; brother Jim (Karen) McDevitt; sister Kathy (Jim) Bredenkoetter; and brother Larry (Sherri) McDevitt; along with 27 first-generation nieces and nephews; 60 second-generation nieces and nephews; 12 third-generation nieces and nephews; and extended family members, clergy, friends, and parishioners.

He is preceded in death by his father Edward J. McDevitt and his mother Margaret R. McDevitt; brother Dennis (Julie) McDevitt; brother Maurice (Mary) McDevitt; and sister Marie (Steve) Neville.

From as far back as he could remember, Mike wanted to be a priest. He entered the seminary at age 15 and pursued his calling with unwavering devotion, deep intellectual curiosity, and an enduring belief that ministry is ultimately about serving people and meeting them with humility, compassion, and a true servant’s heart. Mike’s faith was shaped by his love for St. Francis, and those closest to him saw that spirit in how he lived: with simplicity, compassion, and a devotion to others.

Mike attended Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, where he received a Master’s in Phenomenology of Religion. He received his Master of Divinity in 1971 at Saint Meinrad School of Theology in Rockport, IN.

He remained a lifelong learner and voracious reader, with a deep love of theology, philosophy, and history.

Rev. McDevitt was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1971, at his family’s home parish of St. Thomas More, Bel-Ridge, MO, by Bishop William W. Baum of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese.

Over the course of his priesthood, he served across Southern Missouri in many roles — pastor, associate pastor, chaplain, teacher, and diocesan leader. For more than 50 years, he served the people of the Diocese of Springfield–Cape Girardeau with devotion and humility, always willing to step in wherever the need was greatest.

While his priesthood reflects decades of roles and titles, those who knew him best remember something simpler: he cared about people and he served with sincerity.

Throughout his years of ministry, his assignments included (but were not limited to) the following parishes, schools, and diocesan roles:

~ St. Mary’s Parish, Cape Girardeau (Associate Pastor)
~ St. Augustine Parish, Kelso (Associate Pastor)
~ Notre Dame High School, Cape Girardeau (Religion Teacher)
~ Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Springfield (Pastor)
~ Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Poplar Bluff (Pastor)
~ VA Hospital, Poplar Bluff (Chaplain)
~ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and School, Springfield (Administrator, Pastor, Sacramental Priest)
~ St. Agnes Cathedral, Springfield (Pastor)
~ Springfield Catholic Schools (Director)
~ Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Nixa, Missouri (Sacramental Priest)
~ Ministry supporting and forming others through Diocesan Youth leadership,Presbyteral Council, Ministry to the Permanent Diaconate, Marriage Encounter, and Teens Encounter Christ (TEC).

To family, he was simply Uncle Mike — a beloved presence and in so many ways the glue that helped hold generations together. He was there for the most important moments of our lives, presiding over weddings, baptisms, and funerals, and reminding us of what it means to show up for one another. He will be remembered for his sharp mind, his dedication to his vocation and family history, and the quiet strength of someone who truly lived for others.