Robert Devling

Devling, Robert Clyde, 88

The son of Clyde A. and Emma Schramm Devling, Bob was born June 2, 1925 in Galeton, PA and died October 10, 2013 in the Williamsport Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He and Betty Jo Miller were married in Galeton on October 23, 1948. Survivors are Betty Jo, his wife of almost 65 years; daughters Barbara (Dennis) Smoley, Baden; Susan (David) Karvonen, Wellsboro; sons Stephen (Brenda) Devling, Dallas, TX; James (Madonna) Devling, Newport Beach, CA; granddaughters Megan Smoley, Walnut Creek, CA; Melissa (Chad) Seamon, Ambridge; Ashley (Clayton) Patterson, Plano, TX, Sophia Devling, Mew Port Beach, CA; great granddaughter, Ava Beth Patterson, Plano, TX; sisters, Patricia Klotz, Pasadena, CA, Mary and Betty Devling, Galeton; brother-in-law, Kenneth Miller, FL; seven nieces and several great nieces and great nephews; and best friend for 73 years, Twist Campbell. Bob was predeceased by his parents, sister, Wilhelmina Watson, and infant sons, Peter and John. Bob graduated from Galeton High School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the Navy where he was in flight school to prepare for Pacific duty. World War II ended in August 1945 before he saw active duty. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Ensign. After his discharge from the service, Bob was employed at his father's hardware business, Devling Brothers, Inc. and later became sole proprietor of the store, retiring in 1991. Then he was a driver for Campbell Trucking, in Galeton. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Galeton, the Galeton Masonic Lodge, the Coudersport Consistory and the Jaffa Temple. Bob was a life long resident of Galeton and no matter where he traveled, he was always happy to return to the place where he belonged. Visitation will be on Monday, October 14, 2013 at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 14 West St., Galeton, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM with Funeral Services at 3:00PM. Rev. Tom Shatto will officiate. Burial following in the West Hill Cemetery, Galeton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the First Presbyterian Church, Galeton, PA.