Richard "Dick" Devoe

Richard “Dick” Devoe passed away on February 20th, 2026, in Topeka, KS. A dedicated tradesman and family man, his quick wit, ornery attitude, and boisterous laugh brought together those around him for a good time and always with a story to share. Regardless of how hard he tried to portray himself as the grumpy old man, he could never quite hide his trademark enthusiasm in conversation, letting his big heart and endless love shine through in each of those moments.

Dick was born January 7th, 1947, in populace Chicago, Illinois where he spent most of his childhood until his mid-teens when he moved to Lebanon, Nebraska to live with his grandmother and finish out his schooling with a graduating class of 13 students. At 19, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam War for 2 years until returning home to family in Topeka. From there, he pursued a degree at Washburn University, but ultimately decided on a career in construction with help from his uncle Warren, finding pride in his skill at drywall finishing, to which he worked until retirement.

He had an unending curiosity and chased new knowledge, skills, and experiences throughout his life. On warm days when able, he could be found metal detecting busy trails and lake side beaches for treasure of all kinds, fishing for bluegill and channel cat at the state lake, or plinking targets from the deck in his own back yard. On occasion he would explore fine handiwork, like wood carving and even jewelry casting for a time, that could truly be appreciated by a craftsman in a trade like himself.

But his true passions were reading, finding a good tasting beer or wine, and enjoying the quiet reminiscence of his long life during retirement with the occasional interlude of visits from beloved family and old friends; punctuated by the thoughtful insight, quick draw humor, and one-of-a-kind stories told aplenty from the friend, the cousin, the uncle, the husband, and the father that we all loved.

Dick leaves behind his loving wife, Linda Lukert-Devoe, wed November 19, 1993, Miami, Oklahoma; his son, Michael Devoe; his niece Jennifer (Billy) Edwards; his great-nieces, Kara and Deborah; and a host of extended cousins and in-laws. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Devoe; mother, Alberta (Davenport) Devoe; sister, Mary Hall; and brother-in-law, Clifford Hall.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Parker-Price & Davidson Reception Center, 1940 NW Central Ave., Topeka, KS 66608.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission or to the Johnson Cancer Research Center at KSTATE.

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