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Collinsville-
Dennis Jerome DeVries, born on April 11, 1963, at Travis
AFB, California, to Cora Jocie Elder DeVries and Donald Raymond DeVries. He
passed away on April 14, 2026, in Collinsville, Oklahoma leaving behind a
legacy of love, hard work, and community service that will be felt by many.
Dennis was a devoted husband to Carla Jean Schaldecker DeVries, with whom he shared 40 wonderful years of marriage starting on May 31, 1985. Together, they raised two daughters: Amanda and Bethany, who were both a source of immense pride for him.
An honorable Air Force veteran, Dennis enlisted on September 22, 1983, and served until March 1, 1989, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His time in the service was marked by commitment and excellence, earning him several commendations, including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with One Device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He enlisted in the Oklahoma Air Guard upon moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he received several more honors and medals.
Dennis had a passion for aircraft, and a lifelong career as an aircraft mechanic. He worked at American Airlines from June 11, 1990, until his passing. He formed his own business DeVries Aviation where he did prebuy and annual inspections, as well as being an authorized beacon installer. Dennis' expertise and problem-solving skills helped countless individuals facing issues with their aircraft. He was an invaluable part of the maintenance crew at various organizations, including American Airlines Flagship Detroit Foundation, Skydive Airtight, and the WildKat WWII Airborne Demonstration Team. He was also involved in Tulsa Hanger QB as Keyman in 2024 and Governor in 2025.
Education was vital to Dennis. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Prior to that, he was a choir member and a debater at Puget Sound Christian College.
Involved in his community, Dennis participated in various missions programs. He was on the Mission Boards at First Christian Church of Owasso and Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle. Dennis traveled on various mission trips including Mexico and the Philippines, as well as being a forwarding agent for missions. He was also active in the Southern Baptist Conference Disaster Relief, and the FAITH team at First Baptist Church Owasso.
Music was a significant part of his life. Dennis sung in choirs in school K-12, the Air Force, and various churches. He was also a part of a quartet named Master's Touch at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle.
Dennis had a knack for teaching and problem-solving, evident in his role as a head judge for the Problem 4 in Odyssey of the Mind, helping with Special Olympics, and pilot skills. His commitment to excellence and service in both his personal and professional life will be missed dearly.
Dennis is survived by his wife Carla, his daughters Amanda and Bethany, his father Donald DeVries, his mother Jocie DeVries, his siblings Cheryl, Russell, Loree, Nancy, Carl Jr, and Vernon. Along with many nieces and nephews, Matthew, Miranda, Peter, Lane, Xavier, Shawn, Kristine, John, Tiffini, Scott, Aaron, and Jory who cherished him.
A memorial service to celebrate Dennis's life will be held at the Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle on April 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM. His wishes were to be cremated. He will be honored by his Flying Family by part of his ashes being in an air drop at Airtight Skydive @ 3pm on Sunday April 26, 2026 weather permiting. The family invites those who knew Dennis to honor his memory and the impact he made on so many lives.
Dennis was preceded in death by: Grandparents: Carson and Mickey DeVries, Frank and Cora Elder, and In-Laws: Verna Jean Schaldecker and Carl Sr. Schaldecker, David Schaldecker
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dennis's name to The Vision Fund at Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle.
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