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Francis Paul "FP" Devine

  Francis Paul, “FP”, Devine passed away at his home after a lengthy illness on Jan.5^th, 2009.  He was born in Keokuk Co., north of Sigourney, IA on February 16, 1921, to James Francis and Edwina Nemmers Devine.  After completing grammar school in Van Buren Township, he graduated from Sigourney High School in 1939.  He farmed the family farm until 1942, when he volunteered to serve his country in the Army Air Corps.  Graduating as a pilot, F.P. flew the P-38 “Lightning” during his tour of duty in the China-Burma-India (C.B.I.) Theatre of WW II.  He retired from active duty as a Captain in the Air Force Reserves, but always kept in close contact with his unit, 60^th Fighter Squadron, 33^rd fighter Group “The Fighting Crows“, 10^th Army Air Corp.
  After returning to Sigourney to his farming life, Francis met Eileen Maye Culhane and they were united in marriage August 10, 1946.  They were blessed with seven children who then blessed them with fourteen grandchildren.
  Francis served as a township trustee for many years and then as a Keokuk County supervisor.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.
  He is survived by his wife, Eileen, children: Mary Eileen (Jody) Meyer of Decorah, Patrick of Sigourney, Michelle of Anchorage, AK, Timothy of Sigourney, Francine (Joseph) Behounek of Chelsea, Theresa (Eric) Lyon of Toledo, John (Irene) of Cincinnati, OH, and 14 grandchildren: Sean, Brendan, and Sr. Airman Colin (Jessica) Devine-Meyer; Sydney Devine; Justin Devine; Shane and Katie Behounek; Thomas (Erica), 1Lt.Tyrel, Ted (Kayla), Erin, and Todd Lyon; Emma and Owen Devine; a brother, Larry (Trudy)Devine of Algona, sisters-in-law, Rosella Devine of Great Falls, MT, Mary Culhane of Oberlin, OH, and many nieces, nephews and cousins and his Air Force buddies, Forrest Dalrymple and John Elliott.  Francis was preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Edwina; brothers, Maj. Joseph and Dr. James (Delores) Devine, and his sister, Eileen (Rupert) Kulin.

 Visitation will be held on Jan. 11, 2009 from 3-5 pm with a short prayer service included at Holm Funeral Home, Sigourney.
 Funeral will be on Monday, Jan. 12, at 10 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sigourney, IA.  Lunch will follow; interment at a later date.

 Memorial contributions will be made to: Help the Helpless, Smile Train, and St. Labre Indian School.

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