Wesley Dewey's Obituary
Wesley Warner Dewey, age 73, of Petrolia, KS, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2017 in Chanute, Kansas. Wes was born on November 25, 1943 in Chanute, KS the son of Emery and Margaret (Cooley) Dewey.
On October 25, 1961, Wes married Feona Wilhite at the Faith Assembly of God church in Humboldt, KS. Feona survives him at their home.
Wes’ love of the outdoors and nature was instilled at an early age, and this passion was reflected in his art. Being artistic most of his life, he began painting professionally in the mid 1980s. He was an award winning wildlife artist, and entered several Duck Stamp competitions. He placed 4th in the first Kansas Duck Stamp competition in 1989 and won the competition in 1990. Over the ensuing years, he placed in the top 10 of the National Wild Turkey Federation Turkey Print competition, won the 1999 Kansas Wildlife in Art Series” competition and was commissioned to paint the original artwork for the Taggart/Wild Trust Memorial Print to benefit the Cheyenne Bottoms in Great Bend, Kansas. In 2000, Wes’ Federal Duck Stamp entry earned him an 8th place finish. He also placed 8th in the 2001 Nevada Duck Stamp competition and 2011, he was the winner of the Louisiana Duck Stamp Competition. Throughout his career, Wes donated prints and originals to many conservation and humanitarian causes.
Prior to becoming a full time wildlife artist, Wes worked as a designing engineer in the music division of Kustom Signals, and owned his own sign painting and screen printing business.
His hobbies included dirt bike racing in his younger years, stock car racing, and photography.
Wes loved spending time with his family, especially with his 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, and enjoyed passing on his knowledge of the outdoors and wildlife through countless game hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting trips. Although his passing has left an unfillable void, it is through his family that his memory will live forever.
Wes is survived by:
Wife:
Feona Dewey of the home
Son:
Michael (Neva) Dewey of Humboldt, KS
Daughters:
Melodi Michelle Burke of Chanute, KS
Meredith Friederich of Petrolia, KS
Marlo (Chad) Carman of Humboldt, KS
Mindy (Cody) Shrum of Chanute, KS
Morgan Dewey of Chanute, KS
16 Grandkids:
Marc (Megan) Dewey of Lawrence, KS
Marlon Dewey of Chanute, KS
Mitchell Dewey of Chanute, KS
Elijah Friederich of Chanute, KS
Megan (Jamie Boydston) Dewey of Chanute, KS
Stormy (Clay Shrum) Burke of Chanute, KS
Nicholas Carman of Pittsburg, KS
Chloe Friederich of Lawrence, KS
Gabe Burke of Chanute, KS
Eden Carman of Humboldt, KS
Taven Dewey of Chanute, KS
Bridgette Ewing of Chanute, KS
Avah Carman of Humboldt, KS
Lyrik Dewey of Chanute, KS
Leah Carman of Humboldt, KS
Skye Dewey of Chanute, KS
Great Grandkids:
Addisyn Dewey – Lawrence, KS
Emery Dewey – Lawrence, KS
Abram Dewey – Lawrence, KS
Cambria Shrum – Chanute, KS
Maria Boydston – Chanute, KS
Wes was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Maria Dewey; granddaughter, Lindsey Friederich; brother, Joyce Dewey; and sister, Betty Morrison.
A visitation will be held at Countryside Funeral Home – Gibson Chapel in Chanute, KS on Monday, January 30, 2017 from 6-8:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will be held at Askren Cemetery in rural Woodson County on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to the Lindsey-Maria Scholarship and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, KS 66720.
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