Richard “Dick” A. De Vault

Richard (Dick) A. De Vault, 92, passed peacefully in his sleep on January 12, 2026.  Dick was born on July 2, 1933, in Carroll County Ohio.  He quit school at the age of 17 to join the Airforce and later earned his GED.  Dick retired with 20 years in the Air Force as an E7 Master Seargent and then served as a civil engineer for 29 years for the Army Corp of Engineers finally retiring in 2004.

While in the Air Force Dick was stationed in England and various European locations serving mostly as a trouble shooter for mechanical problems on aircraft.  While in the Army Corps of Engineers Dick tended river dams in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas operating, maintaining and troubleshooting equipment that regulated water level and discharge.  He enjoyed flying remote-controlled airplanes and was an avid reader of all things especially aviation and astronomy.

Dick had a great sense of humor and loved people.   In his last few years after the death of his wife, Dick enjoyed frequent outings with family, especially when they involved root beer floats and homemade lemon pie.  Dick loved good food and was well known for making his legendary French toast.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Virginia (Ginny) Beagle De Vault, his infant son Mark De Vault and his daughter Jennifer De Vault Bunch.  Also preceded in death by his brother Paul De Vault and sister Janice (Wavelene) De Vault Scali.

Dick is survived by his adult children Nicholas De Vault of England, Danita De Vault and Timothy De Vault both of Australia.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren Esther Norbury, Sophie De Vault, Richard DeVault, Rachael De Vault, Daniel De Vault, Thomas De Vault, and Abigail Bunch, brother-in-law Butch Beagle and sister-in-law Yvette Beagle of North Carolina. Surviving family in Ohio includes Mike Gump, Lisa Gump Bruzzese, Kevin Gump and eight great nieces and nephews along with fourteen great great nieces and nephews all of whom enjoyed Dick’s stories and humor at family events.

Family and friends will be received at Karnack Methodist Church, 925 T J. Taylor Ave. Karnack TX on January 27, 2026, at 3 PM.