Dewey Shannon, 86, of Waco, passed away peacefully Friday, May 2020, in Waco.
Visitation: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Charles Howard officiating
Private Burial: Waco Memorial Park
Dewey was born in Marshall, Arkansas, in 1934. A self-described “hillbilly”, he decided very early in life that there had to be a better way to make a living than plowing the hills of Arkansas while “staring a donkey in the butt”. So, he convinced his school principal to let him graduate early and then struck off at age 16 with his twin brother, Hugh, to Metuchen, New Jersey, to forge his own way.
Dewey found a construction crew that would hire him on and a boarding house that would put him up. He committed to saving 50 cents a day and started a lifelong practice of working hard, doing things his own way and pinching pennies.
A few years later, Dewey moved to Chicago to find better work and there met the love of his life and future wife, Betty Ruth Brock. They married and had four children, Mike, Darryl, Elizabeth (Acker) and Cassandra (Nunley). With an entrepreneurial spirit and an unrivaled work ethic, Dewey began a successful business in Chicago as a contractor, home builder, investor and developer.
After years of fighting off the frigid Chicago winters and the local labor unions, Dewey hopped in his plane in 1973 and headed south. En route, he noticed a small city sitting on the banks of the Brazos River that looked ripe for development. Believing this might be just what he was looking for, he staked his claim, bought 100 acres on the river, and started what would ultimately be a thriving career as the developer of numerous residential subdivisions throughout McLennan County, Western Sizzlin restaurants throughout the country, and great relationships with the hundreds of contractors, employees and bankers with whom he worked along the way.
Dewey was known for his quick wit, his unmistakable voice, his keen business acumen, and his insatiable habit of chewing cigars. He was a devoted provider for his family and was “Paw-paw” to his six grandchildren: Taryn Shannon, Candice Jones, Christian Shannon, Ali Stalford, Victoria Acker and Jordan Diaz.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Dear family,
I know you girls but have never met his son’s. Your dad was a wonderful man. He and I used to meet at the Grape years ago when Gina owned it . We struck up a friendship. He’s a great man. I’m sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers,may God bless.
Sincerely, Mike Melton
Dewey was a great friend. We have such wonderful memories of all the good times we had with Betty and Dewey. Cassandra, you were such a help for you parents. They were so thankful and proud of you. Our condolences. Mel and Pat
I am very sorry for your loss. I issued Mr. Shannon many building permits over the years and he was one of a kind. He never had to identify himself over the phone with me. I knew immediately who I had on the other end of the line. He was a sweet man and always had a smile on his face and in his voice. May all your beautiful memories together bring you comfort.
Cathy Groppe, City of Waco Building Inspection Department, Retired.
Cassandra, I am so sorry about your dad. I really enjoyed visiting with him while you were our neighbor. My prayers are with you st this sad time.
Cassandra, Darrel and Beth. Dewey had a beautiful service I will be praying for the comfort only God can give. I love you all so much.
All of us at Community Healthcare of Texas – Providence Hospice wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Shannon. Thank you for the privilege and honor or providing care and support to this dear man. May you hold and share many wonderful memories of your times together. May you know God’s peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Chaplain Danny Tomlinson
Sorry I missed this. Dewey was a great character. I can still hear his cackles when he laughed. I raise my glass to you sir.