Ardboe born priest laid to rest in US

Reverend Fr Kevin Devlin, born in Ardboe, who has died in Conway Springs, USA

Friends and parishioners of an Ardboe priest who ministered for more than 40 years in America, have left fond tributes to the 86 year-old cleric.

Reverend Father Kevin Devlin, who was a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, died on January 2, in Conway Springs.

Born in Ardboe on February 3, 1928, to parents Patrick and Selina, Fr Devlin attended All Hallows Seminary in Dublin, where he was ordained on June 20, 1954, for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

On September 3, 1954, he arrived in Oklahoma and served there until his retirement in June 2002.

Fr Devlin, who has been described as a “wonderful” priest, celebrated 60 years in the priesthood in 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; John Francis, Patrick Joseph, Malachy Brendan, Vincent and Bernard Devlin; and two sisters, Eleanor Mary and Marie Philomena O’Neill.

He is survived by one brother, Michael (Jerry) Gerald Devlin and wife, Sheryel of Conway Springs; sister-in-law, Noreen Devlin of Coleraine, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Vigil for Father Devlin was held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Oklahoma City, with his funeral also at the Cathedral Church.

Fr Devlin was laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery, Conway Springs.