Dewey Walter Hapken

Dewey Walter Hapken

April 6, 1921 - October 4, 2009

Dewey Walter Hapken went to be with his Lord on October 4, 2009. Dewey was born at Lodi, California to Julius and Katherine Sawatzky Hapken on April 6, 1921. The family lived in the San Joaquin Valley of California for many years where Dewey completed his early education. He served with the US Air Force during World War II. After completing studies at the Boeing School of Aeronautics, he was then a crew chief and was assigned to the maintenance of various aircraft, including B-29's. While stationed at Altus, Oklahoma he met Irene Rankin and after a whirlwind romance they were married on August 27, 1944. Following his discharge he returned to California where he immediately picked up where he had left off - farming and building. During this time their two children, Evelyn and Gary were born. In 1960 the family moved to Colorado where Dewey continued in building houses and in real estate activities. After living in the Denver area, he and Irene retired and moved to Grand Junction in 1989. Dewey accepted the Lord at the age of 12 and remained faithful in His service until his health declined to where active participation in church activities was not feasible. He loved music and was a member of a men's quartet before entering the US Air Force. He had a very warm spot in his heart for animals and young children. Hunting and fishing were favorite activities of Dewey, and taking his son Gary on those expeditions was a highlight in both their lives. Favorite hobbies included oil painting, working with stained glass and rebuilding antique cars. This love of antique cars resulted in the complete restoration of two Dodge Brothers Cars from the mid 1920's. During his retirement years, some of his favorite activities included camping with the Rocky Mountain Roamers, four-wheeling with a Denver group as well as a Grand Junction group. Card games and afternoon country drives were choice pastimes during later years. Dewey's favorite quote was, "Take it as it comes!" and now death has "come" to claim him. Survivors besides Irene, his wife of 65 years, include daughter, Evelyn Pearsall, Statesville, NC and son, Gary (Nita) Hapken of Lakewood, CO. Other survivors include six grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, and his brother, James (Irene) of Phoenix, AZ. His parents and two sisters predeceased him. Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service that will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 8th at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Rd., Grand Junction, CO. A private family service will be held for inurnment at the Veterans Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. We cannot grieve as some, for our Dewey is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior. In lieu of flowers, Dewey had requested gifts be made to the Memorial Fund, First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on October 7, 2009

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