Dewey Allum

Funeral services for Dewey Allum were held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Berean Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Andrew Chlebek officiating. Military honors were conferred by the Gregory American Legion and the National Honors Team. Inurnment will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, at a later date. Dewey James Allum was born on October 11, 1942, to Francis “Tanny” Allum, and Regina Demuth Allum along with his older brother William “Bill” Allum. Dewey was an adventurous kid and was involved with helping on the farm. He hunted and worked, but one of his biggest joys was playing football in high school.

Dewey served in the Vietnam War and attended college at South Dakota State University. He met his first wife at school and they had two children; Mike and Katie.

The family moved to Rapid City, SD, where Dewey and his first wife parted ways. He and his son Mike went on to their next adventure to California. Mike returned to South Dakota as a young adult, while Dewey continued traveling; he spent time in Colton, California, Shoreline, Washington, and Glendale, California. He eventually settled in his hometown of Gregory, SD. He enjoyed spending time with his friends along with lending a helping hand at the hunting lodge until he was no longer able to do so.

In September of 2023, Dewey was presented with a championship ring along with a coat for being a member of the 1958 State 11A Championship Team for the Gregory Gorillas and let us tell you that made an 80 year old man feel the joy and excitement of the 16 year old boy who once was playing on that field, with those stadium lights, brisk night air, crowd cheering, and a big goal in mind. He enjoyed telling tales about his glory days on the field and everything in between including cruising back country roads hunting pheasants.

Most recently he was honored at the Homecoming Parade on October 11, 2024, his birthday even, as the Gregory Gorillas Fan of the Year, which sadly Dewey was not able to attend as his long battle with cancer made him unable to do so, but rest assured, he was watching the game and rooting the team on that night from the comfort of his home with his son as the game streamed on YouTube.

Dewey passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at his home. Dewey was preceded in death by his father Francis “Tanny” Allum (1977); his mother Regina Demuth Allum (2011); and his brother William “Bill” Allum (2019); along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and friends.

He is survived by his son Mike and his wife Thia; daughter Katie and her husband Brant; grandchildren: Christopher, Kayne, Anya, Molly, Zander, Hadley; great-grandchildren; and his four pawed baby; along with many friends and community members.