Devon Dean Maris

May 11, 1959 - Jan. 11, 2009

WAUNETA -- Devon Dean Maris, 49, of McCook, died Sunday (Jan. 11, 2009) at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

He was born May 11, 1959, in Imperial to Dale L. and Orpha L. (Buffington) Maris. He grew up in the Wauneta area. He attended Stratton grade school, then Weld County Community Center Special Education in Greeley, Colo., until his family moved back to the Imperial area.

He then attended the training center in Imperial, Frenchman Valley Developmental Services until he moved to McCook in 1984. He then worked at Southwest Area Training Services.

He was active in People's First and Special Olympics bowling and track. He attended several Special Olympic meets and won numerous medals.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Leon Maris.

Survivors include his brother, Vern Maris of Wauneta and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his SWATS family.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, 10 a.m. (MT) at Riverside Cemeter at Wauneta with the Rev. Kevin Fink officiating.

Visitation will be Tuesday 2-6 p.m., at Liewer Funeral Home in Wauneta.

A memorial has been established to the Special Olympics Nebraska Inc., P O Box 27085, 8801 "F" Street, Omaha NE 68127-1506.

Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.