Howard Dewell

Howard James Dewell, 96, of Quincy died Wednesday, 28 August 2019 in Blessing Hospital. Howard was born November 3, 1922, in Hartley, Iowa; the adopted son of Enoch and Elizabeth Dewell. He attended schools in Sutherland, Iowa until his 10th birthday, when the family moved to West Plains, Missouri. during the 1932 depression, where he completed the rest of his elementary and high school education. He joined the US Navy in 1942, while attending William Jewell College, and served in New Guinea and the Philippines, on land bases; and the USS Cyrene, for three years. He was also coaching basketball at Liberty, Missouri High School while attending college. He returned to college after the war and completed his AB degree in English., playing all sports. He married Frances Kathryn Wyss while in college and accepted his first full-time coaching position at North Kansas City, Mo.in 1948 where he coached for four years. He received his Masters degree from Washington University in St Louis. Surviving are two daughters by this marriage; Linda Beth (Jerry) McBain of Montgomery, Texas, and Jennifer Kay (Ret. Col. Weldon) Flaharty of Colorado Springs, CO., with grandchildren Dr. Je...[more]

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y (Dr. Katie) McBain of Tyler, Tx; Patrick McBain of San Marcos, TX; and Erinn (Richard) Flaharty Crompton of Pierce, CO; with great-grandchildren Malcolm & Colin McBain of Tyler, Tx. In 1952, Howard came to Hannibal LaGrange College as Athletic Director and basketball coach, where his teams advanced to the Final Four all four years, playing for the national championship twice. His All-American players, Ray Schumann of Hull; Cotton Fitzsimmons of Bowling Green, Danny Dotson of Leadwood, and Bill Bradley of Bismarck, received many honors while winning 125 games during the four year period at Hannibal. In 1956, Howard came to Quincy High School as Athletic Director and basketball coach, where he coached four years. Coach was later appointed Director of Physical Education and Health for the public schools, and then became Dean of Students from 1964 until his retirement in 1982. He was known as the 'paddling dean' in the '70's and '80's. He was a life member of the PTA. He married Kathryn Ann Brown in 1972 (she survives). Howard and Kathryn became managers of the Sheridan Swim Club in 1982 and built a large membership, over 100 new members each year, during their 10-year tenure there. Mr. Dewell was active statewide in the Optimist International Service Clubs, having served in every office at club and district levels. Howard and Kathryn were both Governors during the '90's. He was also active in Scouting for a number of years, and a past member of the Elks Lodge. He was a life member of the Herman Lodge, Quincy Consistory and the Quincy Shrine Club. Surviving are two sons from this marriage; James Howard (Sheila) Dewell, of Carol Stream, IL and Donald Boden of Quincy. There are seven grandchildren., Katelyn, Brooke, George, and Mackenzie Dewell; and Andy, Heidi, and David Boden. Having participated in all sports throughout high school and college¸ his love for competition led him to the Senior Games and Masters program in many states. He had been active for 30 years, traveling with his favorite player, Ray Schumann. His energy and enthusiasm were trademarks of his life. Services: 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Chaplain Dave Hall officiating. Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois with Full Military Honors by American Legion Post #37 Visitation: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 2, 2019 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Memorials: Illinois Veterans' Home Activity Fund www.hansenspear.com Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.