Bruce Dewkett

Bruce Monroe Dewkett – Gilmer, TX – Bruce Monroe Dewkett, a veteran, devoted husband, and loyal friend to family and friends passed away peacefully on December 14, 2016, in his home at the age of 70. Bruce Dewkett was born on August 14, 1946, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts to Leroy “Duke” and Florence “Fuzz” (Rice) Dewkett. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 32 years, Margo and brother Tom (Debbie) Dewkett. Bruce will forever be remembered by his step-daughter Kelly Dewkett, granddaughter Rachel Loizos, brother-in-law David (Angela) Nelson, sister-in-law Beth Nelson, brother-in-law Jon (Cindy) Nelson, sister-in-law Mary Kay (Stephane) Bosshart, niece Sara Bosshart, nephew Phillippe Bosshart, nephew Sam Nelson, beloved friends Dawn (David) Martin and Charlynn Bradford, along with other family and friends whom were blessed to know him. The man. The veteran. Ardent husband. A life-long friend. A prankster. Men referred to him as their best friend and woman enjoyed his caring nature. Bruce grew up in Mineral Wells, TX. He served his country proudly for six years in the U.S. Navy as a Gunner’s Mate, with assignment to the Seabees in Gulfport, Mississippi and shipboard his unit conducted military operations at the Dominican Republic in response to political tensions. He was also assigned to naval Stations at Annapolis, Maryland, Little Creek, Virginia, and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. He later moved to East Texas and was employed with Texas Utilities Mining Company, as a heavy equipment operator. He retired as an oiler. Bruce truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; conversing with family and friends and making people laugh with his farfetched stories and one liners. Bruce’s father said he never met a stranger, had an uncanny ability to reach people, and made everyone feel appreciated. Bruce’s favorite times out and about were spent on the beach, sailing, horseback riding, camping, but mostly flying powered parachutes and gyroplanes. His talents as a certified flight instructor, for both types of aircraft, was highly regarded by peers and students alike. Bruce was the principal champion of his wife’s efforts, as the founder of Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center. His faithful support of her efforts in ministry, for 28 years, allowed her to follow God’s direction as she started and grew this viable East Texas nonprofit organization to serve the needs of children and adults with disabilities. Bruce was a man of integrity, he stood on principle, his handshake was his affidavit and he maintained his trademark sense of humor until he passed to be with his Lord. Services will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Longview, Texas. And the family invites you to join them after the service for a reception at the church. Margo would like to extend hers and Bruce’s gratitude to Dr. Socoteanu and the staff at the Longview Cancer Center and Hearts to Hearts Hospice for their attentiveness and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center P.O. Box 5932 Longview, TX 75608

Bruce Dewkett

August 14, 1946 - December 14, 2016