Carl Weldon "Sonkey" Dews

Funeral services for Carl Weldon "Sonkey" Dews, 89, of Garrison, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Laird Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, with Bro. Shak Arrington officiating. A private family graveside service will follow. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Laird Funeral Home.

Sonkey (or Paw) to all who knew him passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Garrison, Texas. He was born on February 13, 1936, in Garrison to the late Carlos and Mildred (Scogin) Dews.

Most of his adult life was devoted to the timber industry, a path he began thanks to Mr. Jesse Summers, who hired him to work at Nacogdoches Lumber Company. From there, he went on to become one of the most respected timber estimators in Texas. Working as an independent contractor, he provided his expertise to many of the leading timber companies across the South, earning a reputation for his honesty, skill, and unwavering work ethic.

While he was proud of his career, Sonkey's greatest joy came from his family and the life he built in his hometown. He loved nothing more than spending time outdoors, whether hunting in the woods or raising and training his hog dogs. To those who knew him best, Sonkey will be remembered as a man of deep devotion to his family, a trusted friend, and someone who lived life with a strong spirit and a generous heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carlos and Mildred Scogin Dews; sister, Jean Barnhart; daughter, Linda Dews Yarbrough; and granddaughter, Jessica Anne Ross.

Sonkey is survived by his loving wife, Lois Minter Dews; daughter, Judy Dews Ross and husband, Randy; son, Carlos Lee "Barney" Dews and husband, Antonino "Nino" Colapinto; granddaughter, Shelli Hogan Brooks and husband, Jeff; grandson, Randy Carl Ross; great-grandson and best friend, Logan Clark and wife, Dylan; great-granddaughter, Hannah Clark McBride and husband, Taylor; and his cherished great-great-grandchildren, Jessa McBride and Levi McBride. He also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends who will carry his memory in their hearts.

His legacy of love, faith, and hard work will continue to live on through his family and all who were blessed to know him.