Richard Lee McDevitt

Richard L. McDevitt, 84, of Hilliard, Ohio, died April 29, 2026. He was born in 1941 to Robert L. and Jane (Getter) McDevitt.

Richard grew up in Scio, Ohio, alongside his three brothers: Robert (Gertrude) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; John (Judy) of Naples, Florida; and Rusty (Paula) of Dennison, Ohio. His childhood was full, surrounded by brothers, extended family and his beloved Dachshund, Suzie. He played basketball at Scio High School and went on to attend The Ohio State University, where he majored in economics. He also served in the National Guard as a reserve in the Air Force.

Richard met Joan (Merkel) in Columbus, where they were married for 57 years and raised three children: Rob (Lydia) of Columbus, Mark (Jori) of Hilliard, and Shannon (Andrew Phares) of Powell. He is survived by grandchildren, Christopher of Hilliard, Ohio, and Leah of Savannah, Georgia.

He built a successful career in life underwriting, retiring from Anthem as Vice President of Life Underwriting. He had a sharp, dry sense of humor, often described as one only an underwriter could genuinely appreciate. Richard was an avid reader, a history enthusiast, and a photographer. His greatest passion, however, was trains. He leaves behind a legacy of train sets, tracks, and memorabilia, far more than any one household should reasonably contain.

Those who knew Richard well understood that while he was quiet, he was never without an opinion. When he learned his daughter was taking up golf, his immediate advice was, “Do you cuss? You’re going to need it.”

A loyal sports fan, Richard, rarely missed a chance to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes, March Madness, or a good IndyCar or NASCAR race. He gave golf a try himself but was short-lived when he was asked to leave the course after launching a club into a pond.

His children will remember him for his candor and the many ways he made an impression on those around him.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no services