Steven E. Devault

The circle of life is complete for Steven E. "The Colonel" DeVault, 76, Thursday, August 24, 2022 at 11:42 PM at his Marion residence. Steve was born in Muncie, Indiana on September 23, 1945, son of the late Howard R. "Butch" and Margaret (McKnight) DeVault. Steve has one brother, Mike who also preceded him in death. He married Juliana "Judy" K. Bruner who also preceded him in death on June 18, 2006. He married Donna J. Wolf on October 17 2009. She survives. He attended St. Mary's Elementary School followed by Junior High at Starer and McKinley and graduated from Muncie Central in 1963. An avid "Bearcat" he helped them win their 5th state basketball championship in his senior year. He briefly attended Ball State prior to being drafted in the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, and the University of Missouri - Kansas City, where he earned his Master's Degree. He was drafted in the Army in 1965 as an infantryman attaining the rank of Sergeant. He attended Infantry Officer Candidate School graduating as a 2nd lieutenant in 1966. Steve attended numerous schools during his career to include, Infantry Officer Advance, Jungle Warfare and Survival School, Personal Management Officer Course, Command and General Staff College, and Rotary Wing "Helicopter" Qualification course, and AH-1G, Cobra Gunship Transition Course. He was qualified in seven helicopters, flying 2450 hours in Vietnam, State side assignments as well as other overseas assignment. Steve served in nineteen assignments during his 23 1/2 years, twelve stateside and 7 overseas He served in a variety of command and staff assignments, as an infantryman (Vietnam), helicopter pilot (Vietnam) Ft. Campbell, KY, Ft. Benning, GA, Germany, Korea, Washington D.C., and other overseas assignment and special operations (Helicopter) Command. He was awarded 17 awards for valor and service, as well as the Combat Infantry badge and Senior Army Aviator. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1989. After retiring he worked for another agency of the government as a helicopter trainer and advisor serving in a variety of demanding and challenging overseas assignments. Returning to Fairmount he worked at Active Product as Personnel Supervisor and Human Resource Manager, and at Pierce Company as Human Resource Director and Plant Manager. He retired in 2005. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 313, Fairmount, serving as an officer and commander. He loved and respected his fellow veterans. He enjoyed spending time at the lakes (Little Barbee), with family and friends. He loved Notre Dame Football, where his father graduated, as well as Indiana where his three daughters graduated. He enjoyed being with the "Guys" fishing and playing cards. Steve is survived by his wife Donna J DeVault.; three daughters; Christine (Charlie) Poisson, Indianapolis, Amy (John) Steinhofer, Indianapolis, and Megan (Mike Cleary) DeVault, Lake Zurich, IL, and step-son, Steve (Tammy) Wolf, Marion. He was Grandpa to Abby and John Steinhofer, Benjamin and Juliana Poisson, and Emma and Sarah Cleary, the loves of his life. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Dr. George (Deb) Bruner, Marion, Clifford Randy (Janice) Sneed, Fairmount, and several other relatives of the DeVault, Bruner, Sneed, and Wolf families. Very special friends, Keith and Melody Foreman, Ft. Wayne, Steve Burkes, Chicago, Ellen Perrotta, New Castle, PA. He will be remembered as a Husband, Father, Grandpa and Friend. He strongly believed in duty, honor and country, as well as always treating people, the way he wanted to be treated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount, Indiana where visitation will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 2-5 PM. There will be a Legion Service at 5 PM. Funeral service will be Monday, August 29, 2022 at 10 AM with Chaplain Mark Bardsley officiating. Burial will be at Grant Memorial Park Cemetery, with Military Rites. Memorial contributions may be made to Make A Wish Foundation, 6201 Corporate Dr #100, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or Tunnel To Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 in care of the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com