Edward DeVere Jr.

Edward DeVere Jr., 78, of Marvin, SD, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, SD.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Pastor Thom Bowsher will officiate. Burial will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ, at a later date.

Edward Eller DeVere Jr. was born on January 10, 1947, in Phoenix, AZ, to Edward Sr. and Annie Mae (Lawrence) DeVere. He was one of five children in the family. Because of Edward Sr.’s job in the service, the family moved frequently. Of all the places they lived, Edward Jr. spoke most fondly of Fairbanks, AK, where he developed a love for the outdoors. Eventually, the family returned to Phoenix, where Edward Jr. graduated from North Phoenix High School in 1966.

On December 21, 1967, Edward married Patricia Upchurch in Phoenix. Earlier that same year, on May 19, 1967, he had enlisted in the United States Army. During his service, he was stationed at several bases across the country until receiving an honorable discharge on May 16, 1969, at Fort Lewis, WA. Following his military service, Edward worked for Barrow Fine Furniture Company as a truck driver. During his time there, he discovered a passion for woodworking and furniture refinishing, skills at which he excelled.

In April 2012, Edward and Patricia moved to Marvin, SD, and they have made their home there ever since. Edward appreciated the slower pace of life in South Dakota and treasured the friendships he formed. He especially enjoyed lending a hand to neighbors, helping Dave Krueger with fieldwork and assisting Kenny Wiese at the Coteau Hills Elk Ranch.

Edward could often be found in his shop working on projects. He had a lifelong passion for rebuilding race cars and, in his younger years, worked on pit crews for modified and drag cars in Arizona. He also loved spending time mowing the yard and staying busy with his shop projects.

Ed will be forever loved and deeply missed by his wife, Patricia DeVere of Marvin, SD; brothers: Roy (Becky) DeVere of Phoenix, AZ; and Michael (Kathi) DeVere of Phoenix, AZ; nieces, one nephew, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Edward Sr. and Annie Mae DeVere; his siblings: James “Jim”; William “Bill”; and Patsy.