Dewey Debell

Dewey DeBell, a long-time Portland resident, died at age 86 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, MO. He joins his beloved wife Evelyn, who preceded him in death on January 21, 1998 after 53 years of marriage. Dewey was born in 1924 at the family's homestead that his father built in Kim, CO. Dewey worked on the family farm and cattle ranch until his father began to work for the US Forestry Service in Worley, Idaho. Upon lettering in football and basketball, Dewey graduated from Worley High School in 1942, and wanted to join the Marines, but unable because of certain requirements, joined the US Coast Guard. He toured many of the South Pacific Islands during his time in the service. He married Evelyn Helen Walker of Salem, OR, in Portland, on June 19, 1945. After the war ended he and Evelyn resided in Portland, OR, Yakima, WA, Pocatello, ID and finally in Missouri where he joined his son Kevin and his family for his later years. Dewey was employed for 35 years with the John Deere Company until his retirement. He was a Deere man his entire life and truly bled John Deere Green! Dewey was a Mason and lifetime member of Columbia Lodge No. 114 in Portland, OR. Dewey loved nature and loved animals of every kind. He enjoyed fishing, sports, and gardening. He also collected Indian artifacts including many arrowheads and tools. He enjoyed creating arrowheads of various types of rock and making jewelry from them which he gave and sold to his friends around the country. Dewey is survived by his only child, Kevin, his daughter-in-law, Sherry, and grandchildren Sierra, Ashton, and Donovan. He loved his family and his grandkids so very much and we enjoyed being able to have him in our home as the kids were growing up, and we will miss him terribly. He was a wonderful, kind, generous man and beautiful father and Grand-dad. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27,2010 at the Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave. A gathering will be held one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Remembrances may be made if desired to the Disabled American Veterans or the Humane Society.