Mr. Hal Devore

Mr. Hal Devore, 86, of Galesburg, Illinois died 1:56a.m. Monday, February 12, 2024, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

He was born May 27, 1937, in Burlington, Iowa to Dayton Delance and Enid Louise (McGaw) Devore.  He married Eunice Maxine Cook on August 17, 1958, in Gladstone, Illinois.

Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Eunice Devore of Galesburg, a son, David (and Helena) of Midland, Michigan, a daughter, Lori (and Thomas) Dryg of Bettendorf, Iowa, a sister-in-law, Barbara Devore Dinobile of Oquawka, Illinois, six grandchildren, Jessica (and Matt) Gregg, Tyler (and Tanja Rombke) Dryg, Ian (and Jin Chua) Dryg, Katie (and Phil) Christensen, David (and Ruthie Enamorado) Devore, Jr., and Molly (and Tyler) Reedy, and five great grandchildren, Avery Gregg, Jackson Gregg, Bryce Gregg, Maren Dryg,  and Angus Reedy.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Kent Devore. 

Hal graduated from Gladstone-Oquawka High School in 1955.  He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.  He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1959 and received his master’s degree in 1966.  He was a history teacher at Mt. Olive High School, Farmington High School, and Galesburg High School.  He was a teacher for 38 years and retired in 1996.  He was a football coach for Galesburg High School and later Monmouth College.  He also was a professor at Knox College in the teacher’s program.  Hal was member and an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg.  He was an active community volunteer.  In 1993, he was instrumental in developing the Knox County Habitat for Humanity and was a member for 25 years.  He was a member of the Christian Community Helping Neighbors, Leadership of Greater Galesburg, and GRETA. 

His family will fondly remember him with every Oquawka sunset, when we see an Eagle flying and with every bowl of ice cream.  Hal summed up his life in his own words, “He taught school.  He had a great family.  He had a good life.”

As Hal requested, cremation will be accorded.  Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel.  A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg.  Rev. Scott Carnes will officiate.  Cremation burial will be in Oquawka Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024.  Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or can be directed to Galesburg Community Foundation for benefit of the Hal Devore American Studies Memorial Fund.  Here is a link that can be used for easy on-line giving  https://gcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1660.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

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