Obituary of Arthur William Dever

Arthur William "Bill" Dever passed away peacefully November 21, 2017 in Cool, California. He was born January 9, 1942 in Mexico, Missouri. He is survived by his wife Janet; daughter Ally Dever and wife Jill Spragio; son Eric Dever; stepsons Michael Carmichael and wife Claire; Patrick Carmichael and wife Nina; and Kelly Carmichael and wife Lisa; brother to Judy Crews and Carol Dever; and uncle or great uncle to Erin Kanuckel (daughter of Carol), husband Kurt and their children Noah and Arlo; and Mike Crews (son of Judy) and his children Becca and Ryan. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Anne Carmichael (daughter of Kelly) and Jack Dever (son of Eric). A graduate of Culver Stockton College, which he attended on a basketball scholarship, Bill went on to teach and coach hundreds of high school students during his career. His greatest professional accomplishments came with winning the Illinois state championship in girls' track and being named Athletic Director of the Year. He retired from Riverton High School after over thirty years of preparing kids to succeed in sports, college, and meet the challenges of life. Later he served as Dean of Students/Athletic Director of Ursuline Academy, Springfield. He was also active in the local chapter of the Kiwanis. More than anything he loved the people of the various small towns in which he lived as much as they loved him back. He was a friend to all who met him. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Arthur William, Sr. and Joanna. Also preceeded in death by stepson Sean Carmichael. Burial took place Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Arlington Cemetery, Villisca, Iowa with Rev. Jessica Jacobson officiating. Memorial donations may be made on his behalf tot he PKD Foundation or the Alzheimer's Foundation. Wolfe Funeral Home, Villisca, assisted with arrangements.