It is with profound sadness to report the passing of our brother, Homer Dean DeWees, a 38 year resident of Peshastin, Washington. Dean was 85 years old and passed away on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 27, at Mountain View Meadows Assisted Living Facility in Leavenworth, Washington.
Dean was born on Aug. 9, 1937, in Creston, Iowa, the seventh of nine siblings, to Chester and Myrtle DeWees. The family moved in 1938 to Hoquiam, Washington where Dean spent his youth.
Dean became fascinated with music, particularly the trumpet, at an early age.
When he lost his lower left arm in a freak accident at age five, his father, a fiddle and trumpet player, set him on his life’s path by quickly introducing him to the trumpet, which Dean immediately embraced. By high school, he had already become an accomplished musician, regaling audiences with his trumpet at school assemblies, concerts, and with his pianist brother, Raymond, at charitable fund-raising events.
Early achievements include winning first prize at the Washington State Fair, being a contestant on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour and being a guest trumpet player on the Lawrence Welk TV show.
Most of Dean’s adult life was lived near Blewett Pass in the Leavenworth area where in later years he enjoyed living a reclusive life with his dog companion.
He was legendary for not only his musical prowess, but for a little book he wrote, “The Old Blewett Homestead and Stories,” which included newsworthy accounts of a Sasquatch (Big Foot) in the vicinity.
He loved sharing his music, giving away his recordings and recounting stories to those who happened by who loved to listen. His legendary status included the admiration for him for prevailing over adversity.
He was beloved and will be greatly missed.
Dean is survived by his sister, Rosemary Cooley of Bend, Oregon and his brother, Roger, of Peshastin, Washington. He was predeceased by his parents and six siblings.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
of Bend, Oregon and his brother, Roger, of Peshastin, Washington. He was predeceased by his parents and six siblings.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
