Edward Theodore Devlin

Edward (Ed) Theodore Devlin, 66, passed away on January 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, at UnityPoint Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

Ed was born on July 14, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Patricia Joann Devlin. Raised in a proud Irish household, Ed cherished his heritage and maintained a deep affection for his Irish roots.

Ed excelled in academics at school and enjoyed playing baseball throughout his childhood and teenage years. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1977, he attended Drake University. Ed then began a lifelong career in theater management, alongside his best friend Jeff Ball.

When Ed learned he would become a father, he was committed to choosing a name for his child that reflected his Irish heritage. The arrival of his daughter, Kelly, brought him immense pride and joy. Ed’s unwavering love and support profoundly shaped Kelly’s life, and their bond remained one of his greatest treasures throughout his lifetime. During Kelly’s childhood, Ed also became a loving and caring father figure to Jaime Hook.

In 2005, Ed married the love of his life, Chris. The love that Ed and Chris shared for each other was evident to all who knew them, radiating warmth and kindness. Their marriage was a source of great happiness, and together they built a life filled with laughter, mutual respect, and deep affection. In this union, Ed chose to love Taylor and Colin as his own. His presence was a steady source of guidance and unconditional support, and he played an irreplaceable role in their lives.

Ed’s heart grew even bigger when he became a grandfather. His grandchildren meant the absolute world to him, and he spent countless hours playing toys and games with them and attending their sporting events.

Ed was an avid golfer and had many hobbies including playing softball, trivia (Team: Suck It Trebek!), movies, music, playing card games, and shopping. Ed was an animal lover and cherished his dogs and cats. To know Ed, meant that you also knew how much he loved and supported the Green Bay Packers and the St. Louis Cardinals. Ed always looked forward to the annual Super Bowl gatherings with friends and family, where lively card games and shared laughter made these occasions truly special.

While Ed endured many health struggles later in life, he always maintained a sense of humor and a feisty spirit.

Ed is survived by his wife, Chris Devlin; daughter Kelly (Justin) Shelburg, step-children Taylor (Brian) Cahill, and Colin (Sidney) Shaul; grandchildren, Mallory, Jakoby, Adelaide, Arlo, and Otis.

Ed was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Devlin; and his grandparents Edward and Florence Devlin.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 4:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print