John Edward Van Devender

ARIZONA CITY - John Edward Van Devender, 77, of Arizona City died on Dec. 13, 2013.

Mr. Van Devender was born on April 5, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa, to John K. and Ethel Jones Van Devender. He grew up on the family farm near Adel, Iowa. After high school and courses in animal husbandry at Iowa State University, he served in the Navy’s 6th Fleet on the USS Pocono.

He married Linda Wilcox, his childhood sweetheart, on Nov. 16, 1958. He retired from United Parcel Service in Des Moines with more than 30 years of service. The couple moved to Texas, and to Arizona City in 2003.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years; two sons, John "Dutch" of Casa Grande and Todd of Nixa, Mo.; a brother, Larry of Adel; three grandsons; a granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson, John C. Van Devender.

A celebration of life will be held later at Evangelical Methodist Church of Arizona City, where he was a member.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel was in charge of arrangements.