Raymond DeVries

Age 89, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 22, 2019. Ray was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on August 1, 1930, the son of the late John and Kate (Schreuder) DeVries. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School and served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On June 21, 1951, Ray was united in marriage to Crystal L. Klimp. He was a former member of Second Christian Reformed Church and a 60-year member of Milwood Community Church (formerly Milwood CRC). Ray was a self-employed painter and volunteered for Appalachian Reachout and as a delivery driver for the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Ray also served on the Board of Education for Kalamazoo Christian Schools and was a board member of Park Village Pines. He loved fishing, gardening and woodworking, but most of all spending time with his family. He was a man of deep faith and loved the Lord. Ray had a quick wit and great sense of humor. He will be missed everyday and leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and laughter. Besides his wife, Crystal, Ray is survived by children, Cynthia (Bill) Denny, Kathie (Rich) Wolf, Sherry (Tim) DeHaan, Patricia (Greg) Moerman and Lt. Col. Michael (Angela) DeVries; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his son, David DeVries; brothers, John, Bill, Harm, Ed, Joe, Henry and Roland and sister, Grace Orbeck. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Milwood Community Church, 3306 Lovers Ln., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, where a visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Private interment with military honors will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.