Obituary: Donald DeVeau

Like the gentleman he’s known to be, Donald DeVeau quietly and peacefully departed from his hard-working body to enter the joys of heavenly living. Awaiting him were his mother and father, Janie and Donald DeVeau, his sister and brother-in-law Anne and Jock Eakin, his little buddy Keel, and many beloved dogs who welcomed him with yelps and kisses.

Donald was born on October 14, 1939, in Washington, DC. He attended Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland and graduated from Bethesda/Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Maryland in 1958. He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College. He attended the University of North Carolina for a brief time before joining the Navy in 1961. He served in the Navy for four years and four months. Donald then went to work with the family business, JH DeVeau and Son in Maryland. Donald began courting his bride-to-be Elizabeth (Betty) in 1962. After Betty caught the bouquet at her best friend's wedding, Donald quickly proposed and the two were married on June 25, 1966.

Donald worked with JH DeVeau and Son on building the Washington DC Capital beltway and then working with Morrison Knudsen on the Capitol Metro system before settling in Kinston with his young family in 1974. Donald established his lawn care business, DeVeau’s Yard Service, and made many yard owners happy with his pruning skills and excellent customer service. Donald owned his business for 40 years, mentoring his young assistants by being such a positive role model for them. Donald was one of Kinston’s biggest fans. Donald loved coaching Janie and Molly’s, his daughters, softball team Jif-E-Mart. He was a very active troop leader in Troop 41 at Gordon St. Christian Church supported his son, Joe, through the Eagle Scout process along with many future Eagle scouts. Donald enjoyed the hot dogs at Captain’s Corner and hot summer nights at the Kinston Indians games. Donald was an active behind the scenes member at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and St. Mary’s Nursery School, as well as supporting the charitable work of Mary’s Kitchen.

While Donald tolerated the beach for his family, his true happy place was Camden, Maine. Donald would load up the car with dogs to drive for three days to get to his “heaven on earth.” Donald loved spending time with his sister, Anne, and Betty while watching their children, nieces, and grandchildren enjoy the lake. Donald loved all things lobster and watching the moon rise over the harbor while eating a hot fudge sundae.

We are grateful to all who cared for Donald both in his home and at the NC Veterans Home in Kinston. Donald is already deeply missed by his dear wife, Betty; his three children and life partners, Janie, Molly, Eric, Joe and Skylar; his four grandchildren, Abigail, Margaret, Madelyn, and Nicholas; sister-in-law, Mary Snow Crawley and husband Frank; brother in-law, Cary Euwer and his wife Janet; his beloved dog, Lucky; as well as many loved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 10am at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. A reception will follow in Mosley Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in celebration of Donald’s kindhearted nature can be made to Mary’s Kitchen 110 N. Independence St. Kinston, NC 28501, or the Lenoir County SPCA 2455 Rouse Road Extension Kinston, NC 28501.

Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.