Joe Devoss

On Saturday, June 20, 2020 Joe DeVoss passed away at the age of 65. Joe was born May 27, 1955 in Charleston, West Virginia to William and Dorothy DeVoss. Joe graduated from Sissonville High School. He married Becky Scott DeVoss in 1997. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy DeVoss. He is survived by his wife, Becky of Lancaster, Ohio; brothers, Kent of Hurricane WVA, Dana of Suffolk, Va., and Beverly of Huntsville, Texas; two nieces, Jenna and Sarah and a nephew, Chris. Joe was fortunate to turn his love and passion for horses into a long and successful career. From his early years riding and showing at local open shows, finding a diamond in the ruff at a sale, to competing at the highest level he was respected by his peers for his knowledge, work ethic and talent. Joe worked for only 2 people in the horse industry, a testament to his loyalty to those who believed him. He began as an assistant with Jr Shelpman in Lucasville, Ohio. Jr would not only be an employer but a mentor and lifelong friend. With Jr he developed a feel for starting young horses for many events. His approach to young horses was they all had to get broke before they could do a job. He had the patience and feel to ensure those youngsters had the best start possible. He had an amazing memory for those horses and nothing would give him a bigger smile then to see them winning years later. As his reputation grew, he and Jr became more partners. Joe had his own clients and horses as well as riding for Jr’s client. That time saw him in the finals of the Two Year Old Futurity at the Congress many times, winning pleasure futurities, making Superior pleasure horses and coaching youth and amateurs. Joe’s reputation for honest, solid horses and his work ethic caught the eye of Bob Null. Bob brought Joe to Willow Wood, Ohio and Gre-CIn Acres. There he managed Bob’s breeding operation standing world champion halter horses, fitting weanlings and yearlings for show and sale while still maintaining his pleasure horses showing and coaching. His success with Gre-Cin Acres took Joe to another level as he added fitting and leading superior halter horses and halter futurity championships to his resume. In 1986, Bob sold out of the horse business and Joe took the opportunity to start on his own. Joe had a unique eye for seeing what a horse could become. He took that gift and focused more on buying and selling horses. It fit very well as people looking for a horse for a specific event or rider knew they could rely on Joe to be honest and fair. He also added showing Paint Horses to his business earning superior awards, high points and top ten world show placings for his customers. His quick wit, humor and superb story telling will remain with us all for many years. A celebration of life for Joe will be held a later date.

Joe Devoss

May 27, 1955 - June 20, 2020