Thursday, March 28, 2024

Robert Thurston DeVane, 70, Wilmington firefighter who ‘saw each day as a gift’

Robert Thurston DeVane.
Robert Thurston DeVane.

Robert Thurston DeVane, 70, of Castle Hayne, passed from his earthly life on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 at his home surrounded with love by family.

He was born April 9, 1945 in Bladen County, the son the late James Hybert DeVane and Naomi Henry DeVane.

Thurston is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bonnie Woodcock DeVane; daughters, Donna D. Sloan (David) and Robin D. Nabours (Shane); grandchildren, Madison Sloan, Allie Simmons, Emery Sloan and Colin Batson; brother, Hybert DeVane; sisters, Naomi Melvin (Bobby), Kathleen Colvin, Alberta Barbour (Jim) and Ida Lee; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and a special friend, Matt Yousey.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a Wilmington fire fighter for 38 years.

Thurston was a member of Wilmington Lodge # 319 A.F. and A.M., Pender County Shrine Club and Arab Shrine Club and a 32 degree mason. He was an active member of Birch Creek Hunting Club, where he had many friends and good times. He attended Springview Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church.

Thurston was a devoted husband and loving daddy, granddaddy, brother and friend. He loved nature and spending time outdoors hunting, fishing and gardening. He saw life each day as a gift, seeing the good in everyone and grateful for everything. Thurston’s passing leaves an empty place at our family table and especially in our hearts.

The family will receive friends at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel, with a service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Haw Bluff Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family suggests that you consider a memorial gift to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605, or to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC.

Please leave online condolences to the family at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home.

To view the full list of Port City Daily obituaries, click here.

Related Articles