Obituary of Dewey Wayne Phillips

Mr. Dewey Wayne Phillips, 86, of Osage Beach, Missouri passed away Saturday, October 17, 2020 surrounded by his family. Dewey was born in Lafe, Arkansas on April 21, 1934, the son of Allen and Dona Phillips, and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. From there they moved to their home in Cahokia, Illinois. In 1953 he would join the Army. He fought as a paratrooper in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1958. He would eventually find his way to Southern California. He started a career at Econolite as an electronic engineer, designing traffic lights around the country. It was here he would meet the love of his life, Ann McGill. He dedicated 30+ years to Econolite and met some of his dearest friends there. He then took an early retirement to pursue his dream of opening a bar in Lake of the Ozarks, and he was in his element. It is here, Dewey’s Lounge, that would be the foundation of Dewey’s Toys for Kids. Helping those less fortunate at Christmas with gifts, meals, and necessities. Through Dewey’s Toys for Kids he also gave scholarships to the surrounding High Schools - Osage Beach, Eldon, and Camdenton. He and an incredible team of volunteers raised money, gifts, and food for families of the Lake area for over 30 years. This is something he was immensely proud of. He loved helping people, but especially the kids. His largest year helped over 216 families with Christmas. He loved being around his family and friends and was always up for a good time. He had a great love for animals and was especially fond of his dogs. To quote Tomas, “Please lord let me come back as one of Pop’s dogs”. He was the kindest, most generous, and selfless person there ever was. He loved baseball and football, specifically the Cardinals and the Chief’s. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ann Phillips; daughters Brandi Phillips (Tomas Wiggins) and Jackie Phillips; grandchildren Shannel Phillips and Isabella Phillips; his fur baby Sam; several nephews and nieces, and his brother. He was everyone's favorite. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Osage Beach, Missouri. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 11:00 - 11:30 am prior to services at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at Lake Memorial Gardens in Osage Beach, Missouri with Full Military Honors to follow. In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations for Dewey’s Toys for Kids.