Melvin Gene Dewey (age 91) passed peacefully at his home in Unionville, Missouri on the morning of February 23, 2026.
Mel was born December 31, 1934 in Flippin, Arkansas. He was the youngest of 13 babies born to William and Ida (Doshier) Dewey; brother, James and sister, May were taken young due to illness; brother, William fell victim to an accident in his early twenties and a set of twins were lost at birth due to complications. This left 4 sisters and 3 brothers, Faye Jones (CA), Letha Baker (CA), Irene Harris (KS), Doris Jefferson (AR), Cecil Dewey (AR), Lester Dewey (AR) and Virgil Dewey (AR), all of which preceded Melvin in death over recent years.
Melvin was married to Dixie Lee Walker in November 1955. They moved from KCMO to the Buckner/Levasy, Missouri area and had 3 children, Melva (Geni) Peters, Richard Dewey and Brian Dewey all of Missouri. Melvin began a 47 year career with Lyons Diecasting Company and raised his family. Geni Peters gave Melvin grandchildren: Chris Shannon, Heather Shannon, Amanda Roberts, Erica Peters and Ashley Draeger.
Rick Dewey and longtime partner, Dorthy Brisbin gave Melvin grandchildren: Becky Brisbin, Joshua Smith, William Dewey and Justin Dewey.
Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Dixie. Melvin later married Vonna Marie Hurley on June 1, 2002. His extended family now includes daughter, Sarah and husband, Shane Bradshaw, son, Michael and wife, Melanie Harris. Melvin also loved granddaughter, Haley and husband, Ben Helbing along with grandson, Dillon and wife, Mariah Bradshaw.
Melvin’s son, Rick Dewey passed from complications of COPD June 19, 2011.
Melvin’s younger son, Brian Dewey married Julie Ann Falk (whom Mel loved greatly) on April 15, 2016 expanding his family further with 3 more grandchildren; Jack Falk (CA), Chelsea Aaron (HI) and Sarah Donley (SD).
Melvin was preceded in death by parents, William and Ida Dewey; all 12 of his siblings; his first wife, Dixie Dewey and son, Richard W. Dewey.
Melvin is survived by daughters, Geni Peters and Sarah Bradshaw along with sons, Brian Dewey and Michael Harris; 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be on Friday, February 27, 2026 at the St. John’s Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with grandson, Dillon Bradshaw officiating and son, Brian Dewey will be the eulogist. Music will be a special selection of “My Way.” A visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at the St. John’s Cemetery between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Memorials have been established for the St. John’s Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by logging on to normanfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri.
