Montezuma -Devern Nightengale went to his eternal home, leaving a clear testimony on August 29, 2023, at the age of seventy-nine years.

He was born to Vernon and Leah (Nichols) Nightengale. He had three brothers and one sister, he being the fourth child. Born at home at the Nightengale home place, his nurse gave him the name of Devern. Dad's growing up years were spent on the Nightengale home place. Dad was a lover of nature, which often inspired him of God's creation. Dad received his education at the local Colusa School, enjoying many friends he made there.

Throughout life his prayer and motto was: Let me Travel the Road of Life and Be a Friend to Man.

He gave his heart to God at the age of fourteen years. Dad was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on February 2, 1958, by Min. Orlin Wedel. His biggest disappointment in life was when he lost his dad at the age of thirteen. He bonded with his mother, but he really missed his dad's leadership as a father in the home. When his mother remarried Claude Unruh, dad really appreciated him.

On February 9, 1964, he married me, Jeanette Unruh. We shared life together for almost sixty years. Four sons were born to us which made for an interesting and happy family. After Devern's dad passed away, it left him with a small farm to take care of. The first few years of farming, we experienced poor crops, due to adverse weather. Later, dad found employment at local businesses in the area.

Lasting and pleasant memories were made when we spent several months at Ft. Garland, Colorado, as missionaries. Also, a highlight was when we spent almost five years at Columbia, Missouri, as house parents for girls who volunteered at various hospitals. We also served there as missionaries part of the time. Being a hobbyist by nature, Dad spent many hours making and building small replicas. To name a few- he replicated a few churches, houses, and barns. He thoroughly enjoyed building Noah's Ark. Many presentations were given at churches, nursing homes, and schools of the Ark.

Facing many challenges in life, his earnest desire was to be faithful until God called him home. At family gatherings he often encouraged everyone to be faithful to God, so we could meet in Heaven. He was a man who never wanted to be late, always on time. It won't pay to be late on Judgment Day.

Those left behind are his wife, Jeanette, Montezuma, Kansas; four sons, Darrin and wife Jana, Murray, Kentucky; Chad and wife Sonya, Jonesboro, Arkansas; Jeff and wife Bernedette, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and Caleb and wife Nicole, Copeland, Kansas; seven granddaughters, two grandsons, two grandsons-in-law, and four great grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth and Ladean Nightengale, Montezuma, Kansas; and one sister, Letha and Gene Loewen, Corning, California; and many special nephews, nieces, and cousins. Those preceding him in death are his parents and step father Min. Claude Unruh; two brothers, Bob Nightengale, Willis Nightengale, and one infant brother, Deloyd Nightengale.

Funeral service will be held at Salem Mennonite Church, Copeland on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at Salem Mennonite Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book atwww.swaimfuneralhome.com.