- Date Of Birth: June 30, 1929
- Date Of Death: April 8, 2016
- State: Idaho
DeWayne A. “Dewey” Bills went home to be with the Lord on April 8, 2016. Dewey was born June 30, 1929 in Emmett, Idaho and passed on at his home in Nampa.
Dewey grew up mostly in the Treasure Valley, but also some time in California and Nevada when his folks moved with work. Dewey attended Boise Junior College for two years graduating with an Associate degree.
In 1953, Dewey joined the Idaho Air National Guard enrolling in flight school to be a pilot. He trained and flew with the 190th Fighter Squadron. Dewey assisted fellow pilots refurbishing the F-89 on display at the Lakeview Park in Nampa. The F-89 was one of the jets he flew. Dewey had a long standing friendship with several of the pilots he flew with but his closest was J.L. “Scotty” Scott. In 1956, the two of them along with flight leader Kenny Keim and Don Newbill ,having been given a special duty assignment for a flight and having to miss the College of Idaho homecoming football game, participated on the return leg to Boise in an unscheduled, unannounced fly-by over the C of I homecoming football game. While more than a stunt, they were honoring their C of I classmates and fellow pilots. The game was suspended for a few minutes due to excessive noise.
In the mid 1950’s, Dewey began his endeavors in the real estate and home building industry. He was the second president of the Southwest Building Contractors Assoc. in 1958. He ran both a lumber store, cabinet shop and built houses in the Boise area. In 1959, his company built 100 homes in one year. With the market receding, Dewey accepted Joe Albertson’s invitation to join Albertson’s, Inc. in 1960 and worked in purchasing, construction and real estate. In 1967, Dewey returned to his own business focusing initially on site acquisition for retailers and investors. In the early 70’s, Dewey began developing residential, commercial and industrial properties forming a team of associates that grew the companies and the endeavors to have an impact in the Treasure Valley and southern Idaho. Since leaving the Guard, he stayed active flying civilian aircraft until the early 1980’s. The early 80’s were difficult years with the high interest rates and the business receded as well. Dewey being offered again a contract position with Albertson’s , Inc. spent 1988 to 1993 assisting with real estate needs focusing on selling or leasing of surplus property. In 1993, with the help of his friend J.L. Scott, Dewey, teamed with his son David, began developing residential and some commercial in Nampa and Caldwell. He stepped back from the day to day and continued in an investing and overseer role in 2002. He spent a good portion of the next ten years caring for Barbara as her needs required in her affliction with dementia.
Dewey was an avid supporter of Boise State and enjoyed the football games. However, while he enjoyed his work, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting, he was most passionate about flying and FISHING. Many memories were made while Dewey and Barbara, family and friends spent time in McCall at their cabin for thirty plus years. He was a leader, impacted others, was kind and gracious to most, desired the best for his family and friends.
Dewey is survived by son David (Carrie), daughter-in-law Jennifer; grandchildren, Ryan (Sara), Chris (Ainjil), Tucker, Samantha, Sawyer, Andrew (Jennifer), Laurie (Garrett), and Kara (Zach), along with eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Wannetta Cooke and Doris (Jack) Barrett; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by wife Barbara, sons Michael and Gary, brother Bob and sister Donna Kouba.
David and Carrie express their gratitude to Dewey’s caregivers Cara and Sharon who assisted with Dewey’s care the past several years. And more recently, additional assistance from several ladies with Bridges Home Care and Encompass Hospice.
Dewey has made his final flight home!
