JEROME ARDEN DEVINS

APRIL 25, 1930 – MARCH 6, 2026

Jerome (Jerry) Arden Devins, of Wichita, son of Cleo Arden and Grayce (McDowall) Devins, was called home on March 6, 2026.

Jerry was born on April 25, 1931 in Fredonia, KS.  He graduated from Fredonia High School in 1949 where he was extremely popular and an outstanding athlete who participated in many sports during his four years of high school (including football, basketball, and track).  During his school years Jerry worked part time in his parent's shop, Best Cleaners, delivering dry cleaning.  After high school Jerry was studying law at Washburn University in Topeka, KS when the army called him to the Korean War where he served his country honorably.  Upon discharge from the Army he married fellow Fredonian Velma (Beth) Elizabeth Nelson (whom he met on a blind date) on September 8, 1957 in Fredonia.  Jerry and Beth moved to Wichita in 1959 and were married for 61 years.

Jerry was a long time 'bent wire' salesman for Carlson Systems and was a member of Home Builders. He left Carlson Systems and joined Beth (who was a longtime realtor for JP Weigand and Sons) in the realty business.  Together they formed Devins Realty until they both retired.

Jerry was very active with the First Presbyterian Church in Wichita and served as a Deacon for many years.  The church children called him the Candy Man because he always had candy in his pockets which he freely gave away to them.  He loved children and was a longtime coach for youth football.  Jerry loved woodworking and carving and he carved many things over the years including dozens of animals.  He loved pheasant hunting and spent a lot of time with his nephew Cris hunting on Beth's farm outside of Fredonia.  Jerry and Beth loved to travel (which they did extensively) and they especially loved visiting Hawaii.  Jerry established many friendships through the years, but none longer than that of his good friend Tom Warner and his neighbors the Wilsons.  Notably, Jerry became part of the 3 Jerrys (Jerry Devins, Jerry Jordan, and Jerry Ogden) during school and they remained friends for the rest of their lives.  He was passionate about a good cigar and a great scotch and never passed up the opportunity to partake in both.

Jerry, who was very beloved by his family members and all who knew him, was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beth, brother Conrad (Micky) Arden and sister-in-law JoAnne Devins, nephews Craig Devins and Michael Etherson, and great-niece Chelsea Devin Gensel.  He is survived by his sister Diane Devins Etherson of Cape Coral, FL, nephew Cris (Teresa) Devins of Mayetta, KS, nieces Kim Etherson, Kellie Etherson, Kathi Etherson Gensel (Russ), and Karen Etherson Vazquez all of Fort Myers, FL and many great nieces and nephews.