Ronald DeVries

Ronald A. DeVries, age 86 of Kalamazoo, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 3, 2025. He was born on November 27, 1938, in Kalamazoo, the son of Andy and Gertrude (Slager) DeVries. Ron was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School 1956 and attended Western Michigan University. On August 22, 1957, he married Maudy Griffioen, producing two sons, but the marriage ended in divorce. On September 2, 1977, Ron married Pearl (Gray) Lanier, raising their sons, his and hers, while serving the Lord. Ron worked for various companies over the years as a draftsman and retired from Whitaker Construction as a project manager. Ron was a volunteer with the Sheriff's Department in Kalamazoo County operating the CB division, obtaining the rank of Captain. He and his friend Bob Groscost took the police program at KVCC and could have worked as deputies. Ron and Pearl were members of Faith Reformed Church for thirty years before it closed and then became members of Bethany Reformed Church. Ron enjoyed going to watch plays and concerts at Miller Auditorium and watching WMU hockey. He loved family dinners with the extended family and working on cars with his sons and nephews.

His family includes his wife Pearl DeVries; his sons: Rick (Jennifer) DeVries, Scott (Jodi) DeVries, Bob (Tina) Lanier, and James Lanier; his grandchildren: Ryan DeVries, Brittney Lanier (Richard), Rachel DeVries (Ethan Harlow), Mason DeVries, Colin DeVries, Josh DeVries, step-grandchildren, Antonio Lopez (Crystal), Georgio Lopez, and Sergio Lopez; his step-great-grandchildren: Cason, Arianna, Sofia, Mia, and Isabella; his sister-in-law Ann DeVries; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandson Andrew John DeVries, his parents, his brother Jack DeVries, and nephew Jack DeVries Jr.

The family will greet friends on Friday June 13 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street from 4pm to 7pm. A funeral service will be held at Bethany Reformed Church, 1833 South Burdick Street on Saturday June 14, at 11:00am with Pastor Fritz Kruithoff and Pastor David Zomer officiating. Lunch will be provided. There will be a private burial with family. Memorials may be directed to Bethany Reformed Church Music Fund or a charity of your choice.

Please share memories of Ron with his family at www.langelands.com