Dewey enlisted in The United States Navy on January 22, 1944, at the age of 18. He was assigned to The USS La Vallette (DD-448), in The Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. His missions included the Philippine Liberation and the New Guinea Invasion. He participated in 16 invasions, was credited for eliminating 11 Japanese planes and was promoted to Fireman First Class in just two years.
Dewey was a master of building musical instruments such as guitars, violins and mandolins. He had a love for country music and singing the old classics. And he also enjoyed growing vegetables, tending to his garden and Dewey loved good food, especially Sue’s home cooking.
Dewey is survived by his children: Bill (Scherry) Billins and Debra (Gary) Schuessler; grandchildren: Britt (Misung) Billins, Amy (Mike) Sanchez, Steve (Michelle) Schuessler and Julie Bennett; and great-grandchildren: Emily Schuessler, Caleb Billins, Trinity Sanchez, Ethan Billins, Mia Bennett, Bella Sanchez, Gracie Billins, Sofia Sanchez, Rowan Bennett, Reagan Bennett and Hudson Bennett.
A Visitation with family present will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm with a Funeral Service to immediately follow at 3:00 pm, both at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Hwy 54, Wichita, KS 67209. Interment will follow the service in Resthaven Gardens of Memory, in The Garden of Bruce Newton.
