Our beloved Father, Husband and Grandfather, Lloyd Kent DeVore passed suddenly from this earthly life into eternity with his Savior on March 18, 2020. “Kent” was born in Helena MT to Hallie Christman DeVore and Lloyd Grant DeVore on May 15, 1927.
Kent, an only child, was a precocious boy raised at the family home at 303 Broadway. He told of climbing trees (and falling out on his head), raising pigeons (fetching wild stock from the 3rd story eves of buildings downtown-while his buddy held onto his legs so he wouldn’t fall) and riding/sliding his runner sled down Ewing St (not making the turn onto Broadway and getting “run over” by a passing Model T). Kent survived, as the car passed over the length of him. However, “It really busted up my good sled!” – and scared the driver and his mother half to death! Kent attended Central Elementary School and later Helena High School on Rodney St. In high school Kent, like his father, played and loved football. “Buzz” played right guard all four years. As a Senior, Kent was elected Senior Class President.
Upon graduation, Kent like most men, enlisted in the WWII effort. He was in the Navy. After the war ended and he served his duty, Kent like thousands of Veterans enrolled in college. He attended the University of Montana in Missoula- much to the dismay of his MSU Bobcat Football Father, Lloyd. Kent wanted to study business. With the huge influx of men after the war, UM was deluged and there was nowhere to bunk. Kent joined Delta Theta Fraternity and there he had a “home”. Kent played Football for the Griz all through college until a shoulder dislocation surgery sidelined him Senior year. Kent will always be a Griz and attended all home games for over 60 years-11th row-40-yard line at Washington Stadium.
Upon Graduation, Kent purchased his Father Lloyd’s business, Helena Saddlery and Tent on Lawrence Street, renaming it DeVore’s Saddlery. Aside from running the business, Kent was an accomplished leather worker and saddle maker, having learned from some of the local great artisans- Jack Miller and George Hargrave who were employed at the business. One of his works, a full flower stamped saddle was displayed in Spokane WA museum for several years.
In 1955 Kent was set up on a blind date with a pretty little Phone Operator from Livingston MT, who was working temporarily in Helena. He was smitten, and married Phyllis Richardson on November 6, 1955. They remained Bride and Groom for 64 years. Kent and Phyllis had three children, April, Cheri and Brian. During these years Kent was very involved in Downtown Helena, serving as President for a term. He also served in many capacities in his church and tended his huge garden all the while working six days a week.
On July 5, 2007, after rolling the horse that stood in the DeVore’s window for 50 years over to it’s new “barn” at Bert & Ernie’s, Kent turned the key for the last time at 4W Lawrence and retired. Kent is survived by his wife Phyllis and children, April Yahvah, Helena, Cheri Maybee, Helena, and Brian (Joanne)DeVore, Portland OR, nine grandchildren, Matt, Carson, Maggie and Luke Yahvah, Charla Maybee, Jared, Hallie, Zachary and Christian DeVore and great grandchild Jolene Yahvah.
Private burial services have taken place at Forestvale Cemetery. A Celebration of Kent’s life will occur later this summer. Announcement forthcoming. Cards or messages may be left below or sent to 3750 N. Montana Ave. Helena, MT 59602.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Connie Jerome says
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Our Prayers are with the entire family. Kelly & Connie
Terry W Bass says
Just a wonderful person. We shared same birthday month and day. May he Rest In Peace.
Pat Wade says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kent will be missed. RIP Kent.
ANNELL FILLINGER says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with the entire family. Kent was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Annell
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Really enjoyed visiting with Kent at Tuesday men’s luncheons at First Assembly
Deb Green says
Sandy and I are praying for all of you that God will be a special strength and comfort to you. He was an awesome man of God and an example to so many. I know you will miss him terribly, but have the sweet assurance of seeing him again – soon and very soon!
Carole Arnold says
Phyllis, We are sorry to hear that Kent passed. We hope that you are faring well, in spite of your loss. We love you.
Anne Jacobson says
Sorry to hear of Kent’s passing. Our prayers to the family.
Tom and Anne Jacobson
Shirley Herrin says
Phyllis and Family – My deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Kent. He was such a dear, kind, gentle man. We were so blessed to have known him throughout our earlier cowboy lives but even more so, to have had you and Kent in the bible study with Jim and Kathy Pagels for years and be able to share our love of Jesus together. May the Holy Spirit surround you with HIS love and comfort during this time. With Much Love, Shirley Herrin
Carlyce Skjervem says
I am so sorry for your loss. Devores Saddle Shop was a big part of my growing up since I loved and owned horses. What a great man and family. You are in my prayers during this time.
Carlyce Johnson Skjervem
Kelli Thorbergson Kaufman says
April and family, I am so sorry for your loss. It is always so very hard to lose a parent. Keeping you in my prayers.
Barbara Cole says
I didn’t know Mr. DeVore personally, just as a customer in his store and later he’d often say hello when I was at Bert and Ernie’s for lunch. I always felt he was the perfect example of a nice gentleman.
Judy Gardner says
Phyllis and all the family. I send prayers your way as you grieve for Kent. He was a wonderful man and I am so glad I had the opportunity to know him and to shop in the store.
Gale & Florence Jerome says
Dear Phyllis & family. We are so sorry to hear about Kent’s passing and want to send our deepest regards to you – may God Bless you my dear.
Jan Gleason Gregson says
Sending you all best wishes. April, to you and your family I wish you peace and hearts filled with all the wonderful memories of your dad. He was an exceptional man and will be remembered by so many. Take care.
Laurie Miller says
My condolences to Kent’s family. I had the pleasure of serving on the Downtown Merchant’s association with Kent. When I think of Kent, I will think of two things:
Kent was a true gentleman.
Black strap molasses, Kent once told me that a teaspoon a day was his secret to good health.
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear April and Family,
We are saddened to learn of your Father’s passing. What a lovely tribute to a life well lived. I lost my Sister and Mom within two months of each other last Spring. It was and still is the hardest thing I have had to endure. I have found joy again though in all the small wonders of everyday living and this brings me much happiness. My greatest joy and comfort though is knowing I will be reunited with them in our Heavenly Father’s paradise. We pray that all the wonderful memories you hold within your hearts will sustain you every day. My Mom and I were blessed to be a part of the First Assembly of God family where your Mother and Father touched our lives with their kindness. God gives us comfort in the form of family and friends. May His peace be with you, His love never ends.
Bruce and Rhonda (Strainer) Robertson (1975 Capital High School classmates)
Betsy Baumgart says
I have many fond memories of Kent. We worked together on Downtown Helena Projects when I worked at the Park Plaza and later the Helena Chamber of Commerce. He was a leader in the community and always had my utmost respect. I feel blessed to have know him.
God Bless you and your families,
Betsy Baumgart
Bev Hill says
Phyllis, so sorry to hear of your loss. He was such a gentleman and a believer in our Lord and Savior. I feel blesed to have known him and you also.
David Harvey says
As a young boy I remember going into Devores Saddlery to pickup leather scraps to practice my leather working, and it always included a stop to admire the horse. The bell on the door would ring with a “welcome” or “thanks for stopping”, and the sound and feel of that wood floor under your boots just made you feel good. Kent was always dressed sharply in his bolo ties, boots and cowboy hat. In Jr high I begged my mother for a pair of 501 Levi’s, to fit in with my peers, but with four siblings $5.00 a pair was just too much for our family to afford. A few years later, I bought my first pair there. I think somewhere I have a photo of my first child sitting on that great horse. Again, years later as I found myself a downtown business owner with FireTower Coffee, Kent would grace us during his lunch hour. My heart broke at the closing of Devores, just like Grimes Buick, where my father Bill worked for 35 years. The Globe, Stumps bicycles, Woolworths and jc penny’s , all drifting off into the sunset one by one. You have traded in that gray Stetson for a crown and the wood floor for streets of gold. Thank you Kent, for the memories, say hello to Dad for us. My condolences to the Devore family.
Sandi says
Dear April. Have read all the tributes—talk about a life well lived. Pat and I were also customers—I remember the smell of leather and of course the horse. May your memories comfort you and your family, Sandi LaSalle
Joyce Inchauspe says
Phyllis and family,
My deepest sympathies. I worked at DHI/BID when I lived in Helena, and loved Kent. He was so kind, and always had positive things to share. May he rest in peace.
Diana Connick says
Phyllis and family,
I am saddened by The loss of Kent, at least, in this earthly life. He was one of the kindest gentlemen, I ever have known. I frequently visited his magnificent horse and saddle in Devores Sadde Shop in pretense of purchasing anything. That horse and saddle produced such mystical beginnings for me. He was instrumental in my leather career which spanned 60 years of enjoyment for me. I got my first horse at age 9 and patronized your store from that point on, until the shuttering of the doors. Both of you were so personable while patiently and personally waiting on each customer. Thank you for your examples in my life. You and Kent were instrumental in my guidance through my Life. All will be reunited in the next level of learning with the Savior. It hurts so much to lose a loved one and my thoughts and love go to you all. He is a man who was an unsung hero for me. God bless you!
Tal and Wendy Murphy Williams says
Please accept our condolences for the family of Kent. As a kid growing up, I always looked forward to coming to Helena to shop for my rodeo and 4H gear and even did my school clothes shopping there. Granted I was the only girl in sixth grade in Deer Lodge wearing checkered pants and pointy toed cowboy boots. Kent was always so kind and was a true gentleman! He was a downtown Helena icon! God bless his family!
Pat Hunt and Chuck Johnson says
April and Family,,
We are so sorry for your loss of your father, husband and grandfather. I first met Kent 50 years ago when I bought horse tack and Levi’s from DeVore’s – the only place in town to buy such items! Your dad was wonderful to do business with. I still remember him patiently explaining how to use a curry comb. For the last 30 years, we saw Kent and Phyllis at the Avon Cafe on our way home after Grizzlie games. There were several of us who would stop for dinner and although we didn’t talk it was comforting to know the Devores were there for the post-game dinner tradition. We will miss them in the years to come.
Sharlene Stav says
Dear April and family,
I was so sad to hear of your father’s passing. I, like many others, have wonderful memories of your father and the store. The smell of leather, leather oils and the creaking of the wood floor. He was so wonderful to all of us kids starting out with horses and I will always cherish that. Please know that you’re in my prayers.
With love, Sharlene Goodman Stav
Teresa KelleyBrewer says
What a wonderful man. He was always so kind and was one of those people you trusted from the first time you spoke with him I spent many hours asking question and chatting with him in the store. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mike McVeigh says
Dear April and family,
I remember Devore’s Saddlery and western store in downtown Helena. Purchased all my Wrangler jeans there and Mr. Devore was always so helpful and friendly. I was unhappy when the store closed because I enjoyed talking with him a lot. He will be missed by so many. Very sorry for your loss, his passing actually effects the entire community.
Debbie Zuidema says
April and Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Father. Keeping you in my prayers.
Diane Barlow says
April,
Any time I smell that rich, earthy scent of leather, I think of DeVore’s Saddlery. Where we bought our jeans! Your dad was such a kind person. I am very sorry to hear he has passed away, but pleased for the opportunity to reach out to you. I have asked the funeral home to share my contact info with you. It has been how many years? Somewhere around 47 or thereabouts? I have a sister in Helena who saw the obituary and remembered I had a friend by the name of April DeVore. Please send me a note or give me a call when you can and we can catch up. My very best to your beautiful mom and my condolences. Your parents always made me feel so welcome when I would “sleep over” at your house. Special people. Hope to hear from you soon. All the best, Diane
susan swanberg says
it saddens me to learn of Kents passing, he was a pillar of the community and ran the best saddlery ever. I learned so much working there and have often thought of Lefty, Kent, Bill, Jack, Gale and all that passed through those special doors. My deepest condolences go to you and your family at this time..
Bonnie Dallas says
As an employee, along with Susan Swanberg, I can only reiterate her message . God Bless your family and Thank You for the lessons & memories.
Terri Kunz says
What a great guy-so enjoyed working with him. His smile was great to see.
Diana Tavary says
April I know I have said this before to you, but your mom and dad were the most gorgeous couple I had ever met. Both of my girls feel the same. I remember in church, their beauty shone through. We are sorry for your loss. What a great example they were for all of to follow. Blessings ברוך יהוה