Willard Van Devender

Willard Van Devender

d. February 17, 2019

Willard Van Devender of Bertram, Texas, died Feb. 17, 2019, of complications arising from pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Harrison; son, James Willard Van Devender; granddaughter, Jennifer Griffith; a brother, sister, and many nephews, grandnephews and nieces. He was a man of admirable talents and a great friend to many.

“Van” was an avid bridge player and loved to compete in bridge tournaments at the Senior Center in Marble Falls, Texas, where he met his wife, Barbara. Van and Barbara loved to travel around Burnet and Marble Falls playing bridge with several couples in their homes.

“Van” was born in Southern Mississippi but spent most of his formative years in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. His occupation and interests led him to various states in the union during his working career. He found his beloved home in Texas and delighted in the Hill Country surrounding his house. He seriously attempted to photograph and catalog every wild flower growing in Burnet County, a project left uncompleted when ill health interfered. Van and Barbara loved plants of all kinds and worked tirelessly to transform their yard into a tropical “oasis.”

“Van” was the first Van Devender of his generation to attain a college degree (University of Southern Mississippi – ’58). He did graduate work at the University of Alabama prior to being hired away from his studies by Shell Oil Company. He did geophysicist work with Shell, mostly in oil exploration both on land and in the Gulf. He rose through the ranks to a senior executive position prior to his retirement.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Cypress Mill, Texas.

Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, Marble Falls, Texas.