Karl Patton Dewey

Karl Patton Dewey was born the second son to Charles Rex and Queen Jeanette Dewey on the 15th of February 1941 at his family home in Ralph, Alabama. From a young age it was apparent “Pat” was a tinkerer - he was always building and repairing items for his parents and three brothers George, Frank, and Ralph. Their first radio and bicycle was of his construction. As he grew, so did his thirst for knowledge and desire to travel. After graduating high school Pat sought adventure in the United States Army. He advanced his knowledge of radio and electronic communications while seeing the world, particularly southeast Asia. He has told the story of assisting in setting up a remote international phone communication link President Nixon.

During one of his travels for work, he was sent to South Korea. It was here, by a chance meeting with a young lady named Yi Kum Cha he fell in love and they began their new life in Hawaii, where Pat was stationed. A little over a year later daughter Sandra Kaye Dewey was welcomed to the family of Pat, KC, and son David GeeSung Dewey. The family would follow Pat’s military assignments to Maryland, Hawaii again, Arizona, Okinawa, and then finally to retire in California.

Throughout his military career, Pat advanced to a Master Sergeant E-8 rank, received an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Georgia Military College, and had numerous awards for his mastery of electronics, in particular telecommunications on a grand scale. Having left the Army, Pat began his second career as a consultant for a civilian company at Edward’s Air Force Base. He would say his military resumé read as the requested job qualifications. Pat, KC, and Sandy settled into their new life in the city of Lancaster, and KC began building a home which hosted many gatherings and family visits from their son David, his wife Angel, their son Ryan, and Pat & KC’s grandson Matthew Dewey.

After almost 30 years, Pat retired and moved with KC to Mission Commons in Redlands, California. They would now be closer to his daughter Sandy, her husband Dan, and their sons David, Zachary, and Kyle. Thus began grandpa’s increasing influence of science, politics, and humor to his grandsons.

Pat & KC participated in social activities at Mission Commons. Some of Pat’s favorite hobbies were assisting in the publishing of a monthly resident newsletter, handing out weekly joke emails and comic strips he enjoyed, and photoshop restoration of photographs from residents and staff. For those first two years, Pat devotedly took care of KC until she passed away July 31, 2015 and was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery where she is waiting for Pat to join her. In his final few years, though he participated less in social activities, Pat would continue to be a loving father and doting grandfather. Though a man of few words, he continued to be generous to his family in sharing his wisdom and gifts. Pat passed away on June 26, 2021 and will be missed by all.