Louis Dewett

Louis Dewett, 81, of Springdale passed away May 31, 2017 at his home after his long and courageous battle with cancer. He had his wife, daughter, and son-in-law at his side during his passing. He was born July 22, 1935, in Webb City, Arkansas to Bill and Era Dewett. Louis was devoted to his family and dearly loved his wife of 60 years, Mary Belle Holloway Dewett. He loved his daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. He enjoyed preaching, working in the public schools, hunting and fishing, and, after retirement he became an avid golfer. He made life-long friends from all these endeavors. He was an all-around athlete who graduated from Ozark High School. He was a first generation graduate from the University of the Ozarks (formerly called the College of the Ozarks) in Clarksville, Arkansas. While there, he lettered in football and baseball and became a three-time Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference baseball catcher. He was invited for a tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals; however, his heart was fixed on public service as a pastor and school educator. At age 17, he was ordained to the ministry. Thus, began a 40 year period of active ministry as a bi-vocational minister. He was called to his first church during his senior year in college. Upon college graduation, Louis became the head football, basketball and track coach at Ozark High School. Newly married in 1956 to his college sweetheart, they began their seven year ministry at Woodland Baptist Church at Clarksville. During this time, a very important event occurred: the arrival of their daughter, Lee Ann. In 1963, Louis accepted an assistant coaching job (football, basketball and track) with Springdale High School and continued with his bi-vocational ministry. He ministered at Mason Valley Baptist Church near Highfill and Southside Baptist Church in Fayetteville. In 1967, he obtained his Master’s degree in counseling education from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. Louis left the coaching ranks and became a counselor at Springdale High School, eventually becoming the Guidance Coordinator for the Springdale School System. Also, in 1967, Louis found his “home church” at Oak Grove Baptist Church. He and his wife enjoyed serving there for 29 years. After retirement, Louis was a member at Elmdale Baptist Church. Louis always enjoyed attending sporting events, high school football, Razorback football, basketball, track, and baseball. He was a Razorback basketball season ticket holder for many years beginning in Barnhill Arena. Through his 37 years as an educator and 40 years as a pastor, he impacted an untold number of lives. His greatest joys in life were serving His Lord and Savior and spending time with his family and friends. He certainly touched many by his example of “walking the walk.” He leaves a profound legacy of faith for family and friends from all walks of life. His passing leaves a void in many lives that will go unfilled. He is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter, Lee Ann Looney, her husband Stacy of Springdale; granddaughter, Cara Posegate, her husband Josh of Nixa, Missouri; granddaughter Becca Moody, her husband John of Fayetteville; six great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Landon Posegate, and Henry Louis, Charlie, Maribel and Eileen Moody; one sister, Phillis Minton of Ozark; and numerous other relatives whom he loved very much. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Era Dewett and nephew, Jeff Yates. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Willard Walker Hospice House for their in home care and compassion. A special thanks goes to Dylan and Vickie. Visitation will be held at Sisco Funeral Chapel on Sunday, June 4th, from 2-4pm. Memorial service will be at Elmdale Baptist Church in Springdale at 11:00am, Monday, June 5th. A private family graveside service will be at Elm Springs Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Willard Walker Hospice House, 325 East Longview Street, Fayetteville, AR 72703 or Elmdale Baptist Church, 1700 West Huntsville, Springdale, AR 72762.

Louis Dewett

July 22, 1935 - May 31, 2017