Jon L Devner

Jon L Devner died peacefully at home on January 24, 2013 in Gilbert, Arizona. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Lawrence and Kathleen Breckenridge Devner, Jon arrived on April 5, 1943. An Arizona resident since 1951, Jon graduated from Catalina High School and enrolled at the University of Arizona where he joined Air Force ROTC. Called to duty during the Vietnam Conflict, Jon served as an Air Force officer from 1967-1971 before returning to the University of Arizona to complete his Master’s degree in government. Forever grateful for his education, Jon was a passionate supporter of the U of A.

Upon completion of his education, Jon worked in Arizona government for 20 years. He served as the Assistant City Manager in Sierra Vista, and as the City Manager in Cottonwood, Show Low, Lake Havasu City, and Oro Valley. Jon became the Community Manager of the Leisure World Community Association in 1993, and stayed in that position until 2010. After retiring he worked part time at Trilogy at Power Ranch until the spring of 2012. Belonging to many professional organizations showed Jon’s commitment to his work. He belonged to the Community Associations Institute, and was a past member of the International City/County Management Association, a past member and past president of Arizona City/County Management Association, and the American Society for Public Administration. Community service came naturally to Jon. He was a past member of the East Mesa Rotary Club, in which he served as their president from 1999 until 2001; he remained a Rotarian until 2010. Other community service contributions include previous service on the University of Arizona National Board of Directors, East Valley Senior Services, Inc., and the Mesa United Way Board of Directors.

Reliability and honesty were character traits that Jon exhibited continually throughout his life. These were also the traits he expected from those around him. Seeing the bigger picture came easily to Jon. His considerate, compassionate, sympathetic disposition was apparent in his interactions with his employees as well as with family and friends. Believing in staying fit, Jon exercised consistently five times every week for most of his life. Being outside enjoying life brought Jon much happiness. He truly loved scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and swimming. In fact, swimming was so significant to Jon, that he was a member of the University of Arizona swim team for four years, coached at the YMCA, and taught his grandchildren how to swim. In his forties he also participated in the Senior Olympics.

Marrying the love of his life, Mary Kay, on June 10, 1967 in Tucson, Arizona was one of the brightest points in Jon’s life. Mary Kay fell head over heels for his charming, romantic personality. They spent 45 years in a marriage filled with love, consideration and fun. Remaining true to his considerate nature, Jon frequently brought Mary Kay flowers not waiting for just special occasions. Jon was a smart man who was sometimes organized to a fault. Not being a procrastinator, he truly was a perfect balance with Mary Kay. When a vacation was planned, he handed Mary Kay the itinerary. The destination usually included great bodies of water. Some of his favorite journeys included Tahiti, Aruba and numerous vacations in Hawaii and Mexico.

He truly was a gentleman and a great role model for his sons, Jon E. and Daniel. Family was important to Jon, and he treasured being Grandpa. Teaching his grandchildren how to swim was a joy.

Jon is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kay, son Jon E. and daughter-in law Bernita, son Daniel and girlfriend Nina Murphy, brother Jerry, grandchildren Savannah White, Serenity Devner, and Kaylee Devner. A memorial service honoring Jon will be held on February 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care 6747 East Broadway Road Mesa, Arizona 85206 (480) 830-4422. Please share memories of Jon by visiting the family’s website at www.MariposaGardens.com.