Jerry T. McDevitt

Jerry T. McDevitt, 91, of Highland, IL, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at his home. He was born on January 19, 1935, in Hysham, MT, to William and Helen (nee Palmer) McDevitt.

Jerry spent his early years in the Tacoma, WA, area before his family moved to Bethany, IL, in 1946. When his parents and siblings returned to Washington later, Jerry remained in Bethany, where he lived with his foster parents, Bill and Mary Moon.

He graduated from Bethany High School in 1953, worked for a year at a local lumber yard, and went on to attend Michigan State University in Lansing, MI, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Light Construction Engineering. After college, Jerry began working as a manager for Stratmann Lumber Company in Greenville, IL. Later, he left to fulfill his military commitment, serving six months active duty in the United States Marine Corps, then eight years in the United States Army Reserves.

While living in Greenville, Jerry met Marylin Buchmiller while water skiing with friends. They were married on May 23, 1959, and moved to Highland, IL, two years later where they made their home and raised their family.

Jerry was active in his community for many years. He was a member of the Highland Jaycee’s, the Highland City Council Committee, served for two years on the St. Paul Parish Council, and two years on the St. Paul School Advisory Board, including one year as President. Jerry also coached for the Highland Jaycee Junior Football Leage, volunteered at Kirchenfest from its beginning until a few years ago, faithfully attended adoration prayer hour at St. Joseph Hospital from its beginning in 1998 – present, and for many years, he bowled on a league and played on a men’s over 40 softball team.

Jerry was known by his family and friends as “Mr. Fixit”. There was very little he couldn’t build, repair, or figure out. If he didn’t know how to fix something at first, he would patiently work at it until he found a way. He especially enjoyed construction work and built much of their Highland home, where they lived for more than 62 years. Among his many projects, Jerry built decks on both the west and back sides of the house, put new siding on the entire house by himself, and was always working on something in his garage or around the house.

Jerry loved learning new things and was never afraid to take on a new challenge. In 1996, at the age of 61, he earned his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying a Cessna 172 out of Greenville Airport. He also liked hot-air balloon rides and on a special anniversary, when he was 83 and Marylin was 79, they celebrated by going zip-lining.

Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, attending the kids and grandkids sporting events, traveling throughout the United States, flying, watching sports, and reading. He was curious, capable, independent, and always interested in learning how things worked.

Most of all, Jerry loved being with the people he loved. His family will remember not only the many things he built and repaired, but also his humor, sayings, willingness to help, and his belief that there was always something new to learn.

During his time with HSHS Hospice, Jerry was nominated by his nurse for an Everlasting Memorial, a flight in a small plane, when she realized how much he missed flying and hadn’t done it for several years. Hospice arranged the flight and took him, along with a special friend of his, on a flight over an area they had flown many times before. It was a wonderful event for him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen McDevitt; brothers, William (Donna) McDevitt, Oliver “Bud” (Ellen) McDevitt, and Larry (Liz) McDevitt; sisters, Dorothy MacDicken and Wilma Freestone; foster parents, Bill and Mary Moon; foster sister, Paula Spurgeon; sister-in-law, Sister Anne Lawrence Buchmiller; brother-in-law, Greg Buchmiller; and many dear friends.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Marylin McDevitt; children, Denise (Jim) Schoen, Jeff (Mary) McDevitt, and Julie McDevitt; grandchildren, Erin (Greg) Rodgers, Alex (Taylor) McDevitt, and Jessica (Jacob) Simmons; great-granddaughters, Gigi and Demi Rodgers; foster brother, Larry (Connie) Moon; sister-in-law, Karen Rossi; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.

At Jerry’s request, please do not send flowers, potted plants, plaques, or other decorations. Instead, memorial contributions can be made to Marine Toys for Tots or to the Wounded Warrior Project’s Project.

Visitation: Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 10:30 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Fr. Pat Jakel

Interment will take place at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL