Dewey Asher

Dewey Asher, 90, of Washington, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026 in Washington, surrounded by his loving family.

Dewey was born to Chauncey D. and Alice M. Flynn Asher. He married Patricia Golus on July 2, 1960 in Kearney, Nebraska, and immediately began family production. They shared 65 wonderful years together.

His wife, Patricia, survives, along with their children, Maria Asher, Diana (Jeff) Springer, Gina Asher (Kevin McCalla), Patrick (Sharon) Asher, Anita Asher (Jim Holthe), and Andrea (Phil) Filante; grandchildren, Adam, Clinton, Alex, Emma, Anthony, Patricia, Amy, Christoph, Benjamin, and Daniel; great-grandchildren, Reese and Lennox; and sister, Patricia Abood.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Betty Jo Asher.

Dewey spent his early childhood in Pleasanton, Nebraska, exploring all avenues of practical jokery and tomfoolery. At the tender age of 13, he moved to Kearney, Nebraska, where he continued honing his mischievous ways. He successfully graduated from Kearney High School in 1952, and from Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney in 1957. He returned to Kearney to complete his master's degree in 1960. His career began in Fenton, Michigan, teaching industrial arts for four years before moving to Omaha, Nebraska, where he taught for five years at Omaha Westside, adding driver education to his teaching curriculum. In 1966, he joined Caterpillar, Inc., and enjoyed a 32-year career in Service, Sales, and Sales Marketing, retiring in 1997. He served his country honorably in the U. S. Army from 1958-1960.

Dewey wore many hats, and occasionally even donned a wig to perform as "Dewdrop," the Caterpillar Clown. He played the harmonica, built furniture, enjoyed fishing and pheasant hunting, and biking and skiing. Following retirement, he continued his hobby of restoring antique cars and touring the country with his wife, Pat, at his side.

He will always be remembered for his genuine sense of humor that remained active until the time of his death. He dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and his entire extended family. He loved his Model T Fords, especially his 1925 Model T named "Rusty."

A memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am Thursday, January 29, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington. Visitation will be from 9:45am-11:00am at the church. Private inurnment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mary, Mother of God Parish (Washington) or the Model T Museum.