Guy R. DeVault

Guy Raymond DeVault passed away on January 9, 2026, following complications related to a broken hip. He spent his final months at the Neighborhoods of Quail Creek with additional support from the St. Croix Hospice Team. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends who loved him.

Born in Delaware, Ohio, to Donald Lee and Dorothy Elizabeth (Ham) DeVault, Guy grew up on his family’s rural property, where his lifelong love of nature, music, and creativity first took root. He played the violin and trumpet, enjoyed painting and writing, and found joy in the outdoors throughout every season. Summers spent in South Brooksville, Maine, held a special place in his heart and deeply shaped his appreciation for beauty, simplicity, and friendship.

Guy graduated from Rutherford B. Hayes High School in 1972 and attended Colorado State University, where he majored in Natural Resources Management. He lived in Colorado for nearly 20 years, serving as a park ranger at CSU’s Mountain Campus at Pingree Park and volunteering in wildfire and flood recovery efforts, always stepping forward to help when others were in need.

Guy later returned to Ohio and became Facility Manager at Recreation Unlimited, a residential camp for individuals with disabilities. There, his compassion and devotion to service were evident in his daily care for campers and staff. He later became a Certified Arborist, an avid gardener, and a thoughtful steward of the natural world.

Guy later reunited with his high school sweetheart, Judy Ames Jones, and together they built a life in Missouri rooted in love, service, and community. Guy embraced Judy’s children as his own, a role he carried with deep pride, tenderness, and humor. He is survived by his wife, Judy DeVault; her children Amy Maxfield (Ken), Megan Huff (Cory), Daniel Jones (Lacey), and Sara Strohm (Byron); and his grandchildren Aaron, Logan, Kierstyn, Michael, Eleanor, Jonah, Joseph, Dominic, Margaret, and Christopher.

Buddhist practice was a guiding thread throughout Guy’s life. He was a longtime member of the Order of Interbeing, an active leader in the Plum Village tradition, and a founding member and early lay Dharma leader of the English-speaking congregation at Dinh Quang Buddhist Temple. He offered wisdom with humility and gentle humor and remained deeply connected to his practice even as his health declined.

Guy is also survived by his brother George DeVault (Melanie); his sister Melinda DeVault Ingalls (Jim); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Guy will be remembered for his compassion, quiet strength, love of nature, and steady, caring presence. His life was one of service, mindfulness, and deep gratitude.

The family will be hosting an informal gathering and celebration of life will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2200 W. Republic Road, Springfield, Missouri, on January 31, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the cafeteria commons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to charities Guy supported, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Dinh Quang Buddhist Temple.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa and cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory.