Obituary: William Chester ‘Bill’ Devers, 87, Bardstown
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bill Devers, age 87, who touched the lives of many with his infectious laughter and unwavering kindness. He passed away peacefully at his home with his wife by his side on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Born and raised in Bardstown, Bill was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church and graduated from St. Joe Prep in 1955. He then began his 55-year career at Barton Brands Distillery.
At the age of 21, he married the love of his life and was a devoted father to five children and proud grandfather of four, with his first great-grandchild on the way.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed listening to country music, watching the Louisville Cardinals, and was passionate about old classic cars.
He enjoyed his time delivering medication and chatting with patients of Hurst Discount Drug after retirement.
On any given Wednesday, you could find him at the Mexican restaurant eating fajitas and drinking margaritas, followed by a night of karaoke, where he met lots of new friends. Bill never met a stranger and was known for his corny jokes on repeat.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Chester Devers Sr. and Edna Alene Houck Devers; one brother, Edwin; four sisters, Dessa Ann Evans, Barbara Fay Smith, Celie Cheser, and Pat De St. Jean; infant son, Joey; and son-in-law, Dennis Wheatley.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sarah Mattingly Devers; one son, Mark; three daughters, Kim Wheatley (Stephen Hibbs), Shelly (Chad) Eleson, and Dawn (Kelley) Wheeler; one granddaughter, Alexis Devers; and three grandsons, Aidan Wheatley, and Carson and Easton Eleson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral. Fr. Thomas Clark, celebrant. Interment will be in St. Joseph Church Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home in Bardstown on Sunday from 1:00-7:00pm. A prayer service will be Sunday at 3:00 pm. Additional visitation will be Monday from 8:30-10:30 am. The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
