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Dewey Burnworth passed away peacefully on June 29, 2008 at the age of 88, with the same broad warm smile that he gave to everyone he encountered throughout his life. He was born April 9, 1920 in Confluence, PA and moved to Roswell, NM in 1925. Albuquerque has been his permanent residence since 1951. Dewey is survived by his wife, Joan Schiela; and his sons, Victor Burnworth of Albuquerque and Scott Burnworth of Fort Collins, CO; as well as stepson, Jim Schiela and wife Ruth Ann of Horn Lake, MS; and step-daughter, Julie Mora of Albuquerque plus two grandchildren in Fort Collins, CO, James and Katie Burnworth. Dewey is also survived by his siblings, Frieda Cook of Capitan, NM, Lu Coll of Albuquerque, Ralph Burnworth and wife Anna Belle of Roswell, NM, Faye Creagh of Phoenix, AZ, Dale Burnworth and wife Lola of Las Cruces, NM, Wayne Burnworth and wife Faye of Visalia, CA and Robert Burnworth of Portales, NM. He was predeceased by his first wife, Frances, in 1967. Dewey proudly served in WW II and survived Iwo Jima. He retired as Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, and his active and reserve service spanned 22 years. After the war, he attended the University of New Mexico before becoming a businessman, owning and managing numerous local businesses. For 50 years, Dewey belonged to the Rio Grande Kiwanis Club and served as president four times and as state Lieutenant Governor. He was also a member of the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and served on the Military Affairs Committee. Dewey joined the Albuquerque Central United Methodist Church in 1952. He served on their Board and regularly attended the Asbury Sunday School class. Dewey enjoyed his retirement years traveling and camping extensively with Joan, and when back in town, having coffee with his many long standing friends and business associates. More recently, Dewey and Joan made many new friends at the Los Volcanes Senior Center on the Albuquerque West Mesa. Dewey fulfilled his aspiration to be remembered as a good officer and a true gentleman. He will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel on Thursday, July 3, 2008. A viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the Funeral Services at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vista Care Hospice, 5639 Jefferson NE. ABQ., NM. 87109 or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008
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