Arden Lee Devlin of Smith Center, KS departed his earthly life December 23, 2021, at the age of 84. Arden was born August 18, 1937, in Jewell County Kansas, to Everal and Erma Devlin. He grew up on a farm in Smith County and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1955.
Arden started his career as a cattleman and farmer. On February 23, 1962 he married Lynne Ayres. They have two children, Lane Taylor of rural Smith Center and Jan Megan Olin of Golden, Colorado.
Arden loved to travel. Many family trips were made to Colorado and other places when Lane and Jan were young. Later Arden enjoyed taking trips on his motorcycle with some of his Smith Center buddies. He and Lynne also took multiple trips, including Hawaii, Alaska, and his favorite winter destination, Key West, Florida. He liked to tell people he’d been to the
Southernmost point and Northernmost point of the United States.
Until the last year, Arden had an amazing memory. He knew most long time Smith County farmers, where they lived, what land they owned and who owned it before and after. He knew who was related to whom and remembered occurrences well back into his youth as well as stories heard from his elders.
He was a social person. Like many other Smith County socialites, he was a frequent customer at Paul’s Café where there were daily discussions and multiple problems solved, often the same problem day after day. Everyone knew he loved (and often engaged in) any discussion or argument that came his way.
Arden often displayed a tough exterior but family and friends were very aware of his soft side and were recipients of his fun and his generosity. They knew how much he cared about and enjoyed them. There were many discussions with him about that fact in his later days.
Along with many other beloved family members, Arden is survived by his wife, Lynne, his son Lane (Donna) and children, Corbin and Sydney - his daughter, Jan (Keith) and children, Hannah and Madeline. He is also survived by his sister Karen (Gilbert) Frieling.
We pray that you remember, Lord, all who have died, most especially Arden Lee, all those in the peace of Christ and those whose faith is known to you alone. Bring them into the place of eternal joy and light.
Click HERE for service details.