Dr. Melvin G. Dewey, 83, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at his residence. He was born on January 26, 1934 in Leroy, Illinois to Chester and Mary (Stahley) Dewey. He married Laura Childress-Conroy on August 2, 1975 in Peoria, Illinois. She survives.
Also surviving are 10 children, Kim (Debra) Conroy of Dacula, Georgia, Theresa (Mark) Headley of Germantown Hills, Illinois, Mary Kelly (John) O'Flaherty of Chatham, Illinois, Linda (Scott) Johnstone of Spring Bay, Illinois, Lynn (Dan) Selke of Spring Bay, Illinois, Scott (Judy) Dewey of Quincy, Illinois, Jon Dewey of Peoria, Illinois, Mike (Samantha) Conroy of Peoria, Illinois, Ann (Ralph) Early of Homer Glen, Illinois and Steve Conroy of Washington, Illinois; 22 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He has one sister surviving, Lois (Roy) Bennett of St. Louis, Missouri and one sister-in-law, Nancy Dewey of Paxton, Illinois. He was preceded in death by one sister, Mary McMurray and two brothers, Joe and Eugene Dewey.
Dr. Dewey designed and opened the Pioneer Pet Clinic in Peoria in November of 1968. He was the veterinarian there for 38 years before retiring in 2006. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois in 1959 with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. He was a charter member of the Dean's Club of the University of Illinois, past president of the University of Illinois Veterinary Alumni Association and was a past president of the Veterinary Association. He was a former member of the Kiwanis Club in Peoria. Melvin was an U.S. Army veteran serving in Germany as a Captain where he was Honorably Discharged in 1968.
He was loved greatly by his family, friends and those he served throughout his life in his profession and community service.
A celebration of life service will be held at Noon, Saturday, December 6, 2018 at the Davison Fulton Woolsey Wilton Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until services at Noon. The Family would like for those attending to write a fond memory of Dr. Dewey to be shared which will be read by a celebrant at the service. Entombment will be in the Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria with military honors. Memorials may be made to PAWS or to the American Heart Association . You may create an online condolence at www.woolsey-wilton.com.
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Sponsored by Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home.
January 10, 2018
Janese Craps
Doc was one of the best neighbors a person could want. He always had a smile and a story. We will miss seeing him on the deck listening to his beloved Cubs. Sending sympathy to a wonderful family.
January 9, 2018
Elizabeth Stroup
My family went to Dr.Dewey as long as I can remember. He was so soft spoken, gentle with each animal. So many visits , tears shead at the office. I remember taking our two oldest pets there. Getting a speeding ticket on the way with a sick 16 cat, with diarrhea in my new car. It was time for our old boy. He passed quietly. Dr. You will have so may fur babies waiting for you at heavens gates. You will never know how much you were adored , appreciated and respected. Rip old friend.
January 6, 2018
Lenda Marshall
I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Dewey's passing. He was the best vet! I took my Weimaraner to him, and I think Dr. Dewey developed a fondness for Amos. He was a wonderful man. With deepest sympathy for your loss.
January 6, 2018
Mary Carlson
Laurie, may God bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Thinking of you.
With sincere sympathy,
January 5, 2018
Peter Nash
RIP Dr. Dewey! Your gentile nature and love for our pets will always be remembered by me and our family. Remember when you first opened your doors on Chanute Rd., directly across the street from my dads office. Our oldest dog Winston would walk in your open front door and lay in the back room while you did your thing with other pets needing attention. He loved you and you really liked him!! Thank you for everything you did for our family + Winston, Scottie and Zsa-Zsa, and numerous cats/kittens!!!
January 5, 2018
Ben Miller
Laurie,
Patti and I are so sorry. Mel meant so much to us.I have so many memories of the times we had together and the jokes we shared,I wouldn't know where to begin. The first time I met Mel was around 1979 when I brought my little Doberman to him for a check-up. As I was leaving he asked me if I would like to go to one of the Kid's Wedding Reception. I think he felt sorry for me.
Just think of all of the furry friends that he helped along the way that are in Heaven greeting him now. He was such a kind man. I really looked up to him.
Ben and Patti Miller
January 4, 2018
Karla Schmidt
R.I.P.
January 4, 2018
We just want the family to know how much we appreciated and loved Dr. Dewey. He was our vet for many years until his retirement. He did so much for us and our pets. He saved our puppy's leg (Dusty) when he was hit by a car and took care of many of our fur-babies. To his family... be proud. He was a wonderful man and loved by many.
Sandi & Dave Landers
January 4, 2018
Karla Schmidt
RIP Dr. Dewey! You were the best vet ever. I still miss you when a problem comes up with my animals. Such a kind and compassionate man. Your shoes will never be filled by anyone! Sincerely, Karla.
January 4, 2018
American Heart Association
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
January 4, 2018
Classmate
mary nelson
Hey Mel. This message is from Don Nelson, your old pal in Virginia. So sorry Mary and I could't make your Celebration of Life, but age, distance, cost, short time home and weather prevented it. Mel, you were the best -looking boy at DeeMack High and Laurie was the prettiest girl in my opinion. We were neighbors of both you and Laurie at different times. We played basketball together {Well you played, I sat on the bench}. Remember we were champions of the county tournament. We played football together {remember the freezing Morton game}. We were both in the Army in Germany ; we both attended the Univ. of Illinois. And remember the time we crammed 24 [24!] students into your big Kaiser and chugged all around Mackinaw at noon time. Remember Junior Flunk Day. We will cherish the great times at your home the past few years. Remember to look down from Heaven on Chicago Cub game and remember the 2016 World Series. This is my tribute to you Doc Dewey old buddy. RIP.
January 4, 2018
Diane Smith
Laurie, You are one of the sweetest people I know, and the fact that you are hurting now, breaks my heart. May the love, comfort, and support of your family, along with your many wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. I am thinking of you and sending caring thoughts and strength your way.
January 4, 2018
Barbara Thompson
May your family have comfort / peace knowing how very much Doctor was valued and appreciated as a veterinarian as well as a very special 'N wonderful person! He will be remembered with treasured memories.
January 4, 2018
Nancy Wieder
Our deepest condolences for your loss Ann(Ralph) Early and family. We love you so very much. Love, Nancy and Jim
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Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL 61614
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Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL 61614
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Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL 61614
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