Hello, my name is Tom Devlin. I was put on this earth to be witty and to make people laugh, to be incredible at remodeling homes, woodworking and to work hand-in-hand with the disabled community of Kern County. But foremost, I was put on this earth to serve the One True King – God, my Lord and Savior, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Don't misunderstand me, I know I wasn't perfect, but I knew my Savior and loved being involved in the Men's Group at Moorpark Cornerstone. I made great connections there and wonderful, life-long friends.

I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 1, 1955, and loved growing up there with Dave Richards and Johnny McKinney as my crazy best friends. I had two older siblings, Kate and Charles John. Since I was the unexpected third child, we had many years between us. Eventually, I got married and had a baby girl named Amanda Brooke and a son named Bryson Thomas. They brought infinite joy to my life, and I have always been so proud of them.

I met my wonderful, loving wife, Jeannette Dee, through a mutual friend (thank you, Nick). We were married a few years later in Tahoe on the First Day of Spring – March 20, 1999. We have grown together in God and in the Church and have grown to love each other so much deeper over the years. We have experienced so much as a couple. I learned to ride horses to be with her, and she learned to play golf to be with me. We have shared the love of dirt bikes, walks on the beach and amazing vacations. We moved to Bear Valley Springs in the Spring of 2018 where the wildlife never ceased to grace us and amaze us with their presence.

Unfortunately, I left this physical earth too soon at age 67, on Aug. 20. I was building a pizza oven and now I will never be able to complete it. I am sorry I didn't get to say goodbye to my wife of 23 years, or my children but they know how much I loved them and will carry that in their hearts. Jeannette, I loved that we finally had a song we both loved so much – "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran. I loved that we always danced to it when it came on. Never forget those moments or the many others that we shared enjoying each other's company.

If anyone wants to donate in my name, the Children's Hunger Fund is the most amazing organization that helps those in need locally and all over the world through the love of Christ. They support families and children through the local churches and build incredible relationships.

Our great friends, Steven Putnam and Rey Flores are opening their home for my Celebration of Life on Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. There will be a few words by my former Pastor, Gordy Duncan, from Cornerstone Moorpark.

Wood Family Funeral Service has been entrusted with my care. For condolences, please visit http://www.woodmortuary.net.