Larry DeVese Obituary

Dr. Larry DeVese

Dec 7, 1964 - Sep 3, 2025

Westerville

Larry DeVese DDS, 60, of Westerville, ended his earthly journey Wednesday, September 3, 2025, after a courageous health battle.

Dr. Larry DeVese, beloved and devoted husband, father, son, dentist, and friend, was born December 7, 1964, in Meridian, Mississippi. He was the son of Mary (Melvin) Devese and Tommy (Bennie) Tucker Sr. Larry married his life partner, Cynthia M. DeVese, in 1992, and to their union, two children were born, Ayanna and Malik. The four affectionately referred to themselves as "LCAM". He was baptized and accepted the Lord as his personal savior in 1988 and was active in ministry throughout his life, specifically serving with Men of Joy.

Larry graduated from Sandusky High School and Bowling Green State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1988, and then earned a doctor of dentistry (DDS) from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1992. He also completed orthodontist training. His dental career included serving as a postdoctoral resident at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Hampton, Virginia, a clinical instructor at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry from 1993 to 1997, a dental services director for the Ohio Department of Youth Services in Perrysville and for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in Marion. Dr. DeVese opened his first private practice, Bay Dental Group, in Westerville in 1996, where he worked until he established A Smile by Dr. DeVese in 2003. He continued practicing dentistry as an independent business owner at A Smile by Dr. DeVese until a few weeks before his passing. Dr. DeVese's dental practice, A Smile by Dr. DeVese, was the culmination of his life's work, gifts, and talents.

Larry served on the Ohio Dental Association (ODA) Board Committees and Councils and Westerville Education Foundation Board. He loved playing golf, traveling, music, family gatherings, and spending time with friends. His bright personality was always evident in his conversation, the songs he sang out loud, hand-written personalized birthday cards he sent to patients, the baked goods and homemade dishes he happily shared, and the love he expressed towards others.

Dr. Larry DeVese leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Dr. Cynthia McDonald-DeVese; daughter, Ayanna N. DeVese B.S; son, Malik J. DeVese J.D; grandson, Khoi G. Barron; mother, Mary Devese; father, Tommy (Bennie) Tucker Sr.; mother in-law, Ella McDonald; brother, Tommy (Linda) Tucker Jr.; sister, LeShonda (Daniel) Strickland; brother-in-law, Dewitt McDonald Jr.; sisters-in-law, Sharon McDonald-Butler, Loretta (Robert) McDonald Tillman, and Lisa (Omar) McDonald; goddaughter, Maya Shed. He also leaves behind a host of cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, staff, and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his adopted father, Melvin Devese; brother, Jaymie Devese, Tony Smith; sister, Cathy Blissett; father-in-law, Dewitt McDonald Sr.; grandparents, George and Annie Lee Miller; grandmother, Maggie Gordon Jones; and nephew, Artraceous "Trey" Little.

To acknowledge the life and legacy of Dr. DeVese, the Drs. DeVese College Scholarship Fund was established. Send contributions to: A Smile by Dr. DeVese, 105B Commerce Park Dr., Westerville, OH 43082, or call 614-890-0905.