Clark "Dewey" Duane Newell

Clark "Dewey" Newell, 94, of Metamora. long-time resident of Bradford, IL passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025 in Chillicothe after a brief stay at the Arc Nursing Facility.

Born at home in Hallock Township, IL on July 14, 1930 to James and Edna (Crotz) Newell, Dewey was the 6th of 14 children. He married Betty (Elaine) Boone in 1957, celebrating almost 68 years of marriage. They settled in Bradford IL, where Dewey worked as a rural mailman for over 40 years and was a devoted father to David (Kathy) Newell and Lisa (Rick) Avgerinos.

Dewey was an active member of the Bradford community, involved in the Leet Memorial United Methodist Church, the American Legion, and the Masonic Lodge. He served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts and, at age 80, embarked on a cross-country trip as an honorary scout, hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. A veteran of the Korean War, he had the privilege of participating in the Honor Flight to Washington DC.

Dewey enjoyed 28 years of retirement, never missing an opportunity to hunt, fish, gather mushrooms, bowl, or golf – depending on the season. His post retirement careers included a part-time starter at Metamora Fields and a full time meteorologist, tracking weather patterns and precipitation totals. He was a master of board games and card playing, winning more than his share of hands through a combination of skill, luck and guile – Dewey wasn't above "goose necking" to get a peek at his opponent's cards if the opportunity presented itself.

Dewey was a devoted grandfather to Allison (Ryan) Eckhart, Brian (Caleb Erickson) Newell, Mike (Colleen Casey) DiCola, and Jennifer (Mike) Azzaro, passing along his love of fishing, weenie roasts, card playing, and Jokers and Marbles. He cherished and enjoyed his great-grandchildren: Patrick, Vincent, and Declan Eckhart and Anthony Azzaro, whether it was talking about sports or schooling them on the finer points of Uno.

Dewey was a friend to all who knew him – always eager to share a story or some "lies" at the neighborhood café. In his later years, he relished the role of beloved patriarch, actively participating in various forms of camaraderie and fellowship with his children, grandchildren, and great-children at family gatherings. He will be sorely missed but his legacy and spirit will live on through the many indelible "Papa Dewey" memories that he left behind.

Visitation will be held at Metamora Christian Union Church, 925 W. Walnut St, Metamora, IL on Tuesday, June 24th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Funeral will be held at Leet Memorial United Methodist Church in Bradford on Wednesday, June 25th with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM and funeral service following at 11:00.

The family would like to thank the many friends who came to visit with Dewey during his final journey. The impact of the love and stories they shared with Dewey and the family cannot be understated. Memorial donations can be made in his name to Metamora Christian Union Church, Leet Memorial United Methodist Church or the American Legion Post 445.

Christian Union Church
925 West Walnut Street, Metamora IL 61548

Leet Memorial United Methodist Church
118 East Main Street, Bradford IL 61421

American Legion Post 445
13355 State Route 93, Bradford IL 61421