Happy Birthday To Devan

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
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Date: Aug 29 2022 8:33 AM

DOTHAN:     It was on this date in 1995 a little baby boy made his grand appearance into the world.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Devan Baxley who turned 27 years old today.

Devan was born and raised in Marianna Florida. He played football while in high school. After graduating from high school in 2014 Devan moved to Dothan. He began working at Planet Fitness and later entered in the food service industry as a server and later as a bartender.

Eating at O’Charley’s, I met Devan Baxley and Payton Lowman. During that time I ate at O’Charley’s a lot and they were the ones who served my table.

In 2019 Devan and Payton along with their good friend Nathan were in New Orleans. Devan was suddenly struck with Viral Meningitis and rushed to Tulane Hospital. Devan describes on Facebook as one of the worst/greatest experiences of his life.

Devan was surely in the right place to be suddenly hit with the meningitis to be able to go to Tulane Hospital.  Devan describes the worst being in the hospital, all of the seizures, memory loss, depression, and so on. But being on the positive side Devan describes the greatest part of the mess was the outcome.

“After regaining memory loss ( some he describes as he will never get back but that’s okay ) and finally getting over his depression, Devan learned to love himself more, appreciate those people who are there for him and to realize what real friends and family are. Devan writes that he has learned to build on myself to things that make me happy and successful with life. I’ve learned to be happy and put myself forward. I’m growing as a person and I’m still going to grow as I go.”

After being released from the hospital, Payton Lowman stayed by Devan’s side helping him regain and remember who he was. Devan was very confused and was a very difficult time for both Devan and Payton. But together they worked and Devan bounced back to the real Devan.

Being a bartender he had to learn again how to make drinks and the service industry all over again. He made notes and the first time back at work was a challenge for him. But Devan has a strong will and desire, a very hard work ethic, and he hit the challenge head on with full strength. And he succeeded.

Devan decided he wanted to pursue the physical therapy field of work. So he and Payton devised a plan for Devan to be able to go to Wallace College for the Physician Therapist Assistant Program. And off to school he went.

Devan has worked hard in school. A huge challenge since he had not been in school since graduation in 2014, and having to fight the memory effects from the meningitis. But Devan’s hard work, dedication and determination, he has done well in the program and will graduate next summer. But Devan has done this all while continuing his bartender job at Rain.

Devan is a kind person, always friendly, quiet. Above all he is a genuine person who is a true friend to those he calls friends. He goes above and beyond service for his customers. Always has a pleasant attitude and just an all around great person.

During this school break Devan and Payton have been able to take some time for a concert in Atlanta. They have been able to stay a period of time in Panama City Beach with some really good friends and enjoy a good time. Tonight, Payton has arranged a birthday party with some of Devan’s good close personal friends to celebrate his birthday.

And Tuesday reality will hit Devan because back to school and work’s regular schedule.

 

It was and has been an honor and privilege to meet Devan and Payton when they worked at the restaurant. Having to get to know them, but more importantly having a chance to see how they have grown in life. Two good people with a great life and future in store for them.

In closing, Devan’s best friend, Nathan, had a accident months ago. Circumstances has not allowed Devan to be there for Nathan. But in looking at pictures of Facebook, Devan and Payton shared a lot of life with Nathan. Devan wrote on his Facebook “ I miss my best friend”. So I wanted to include Nathan in this that Devan really misses you and pulls for your recovery each and every hour of every day.

Also to Devan’s best friend, Brittney Klink. Two true friends always there for each other. In the pictures Brittney has always been there for Devan and really close friends.

 

Devan, hope you have had a great birthday so far and have a grand party with your friends tonight.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY from Payton, your mom and brother, and the host of family and friends.

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