Don DeVol passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024. Kathy was by his side. Don was born in Nebraska on Jan 30, 1933. At the age of 5 he developed polio. Don’s mother never gave up on him. She would exercise his arms and legs daily and soak him in hot baths. Dad always said if it weren't for her determination, he probably would never have been able to walk or do the things he so enjoyed in his childhood or later in life. This never slowed him down. He grew up fishing and hunting with his father as a child and later in Tulelake, Idaho and Montana. When he was in high school, his parents moved to Southern California. He stayed in Nebraska with friends. He worked as a janitor at the school and other odd jobs to make ends meet. He made numerous fishing trips to San Filippi, Mexico. They would haul the boat down of full clothes and other necessities that he left with the mission for the local people.
He grew up on the campus of a Nebraska College where grandpa was teaching. He told many stories of how the students would spoil him as he was in leg braces at that time. He married mom (Colleen) in 1952, Early in their marriage they traveled on his Indian motorcycle all over Nebraska and into Colorado playing music with his in-law’s band. He played the drums. He told of many harrowing trips in Nebraska snowstorms. They moved to Santa Ana, CA where he worked at Disneyland for a short time building the boats for Adventureland. At the same time, he worked for Glasspar boats where he designed and built boats. Later he and his father sold Real Estate. He loved racing boats out to Catalina Island.
They moved to Klamath where they purchased Panther Creek Lodge Resort with longtime friends, Chuck and Aileen Hupp. They lost everything in the 1964 flood, but that didn't stop him. He continued to operate the resort for many more years. After the flood Don helped start the Salmon Festival to rebuild Klamath. They purchased Woodland Villa Resort in 1966.Don married Carolyn Jones in 1973. They continued to operate Panther Creek Resort until selling it in 2003. He opened Dons Gas with Carolyn and Kathy. They ran that business for 30 years. Don and Carolyn loved to travel in their motorhomes. He had a few throughout the years. Dad was never happy until he could remodel them to fit their needs. They made many trips to Arizona, Montana and across the US. He managed Cottonwood Cove resort, out of Las Vegas, for a few years. Running Lake Mojave with his Imp boat and camping on the bank was great fun.
Dad was a devoted Elk member for 60 years. Dad was experienced at many things, including woodworking, welding, running equipment, fishing, hunting and could make or build about anything. Dad taught all of us kids so much about everything from everyday skills to life skills. We truly believe you were the best father any child could have asked for. You will forever be missed and loved by us all. Love you Dad.
Don was proceeded in death by his parents, Leonard and Florence DeVol, sister, Ann Gayton, wife, Colleen Bruhy, wife Carolyn DeVol, daughter, Mary Wheat, grandson, Donald Eberwein.
Don leaves behind his children, Doug DeVol [ Lisa), Kathy DeVol Cunningham (Dan), Shane Thomas (Cheri], and Sheila DeVolGrandchildren Lance DeVol, Ericka Alcala, Antonia Alcala, Alex Thomas, Drew Thomas, Jarrod Thomas, Taylor Eberwein and Teleah Eberwein Brother-in-law Bill "Jeepers" Jones and daughter in law Michelle.
To honor our fathers wishes, there will be no services.