ST. MARY PARISH, LA. 

Obituary for: WILSON, DEWEY, JR.

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: Iberts Mortuary, Inc. Franklin, LA 70538

Died Monday, March 13, 2013

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WILSON, CAPTAIN DEWEY, JR.
October 8, 1927 - March 18, 2013

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The Tri-City area lost one of its marine pioneers on March 18, 2013 with the 
passing of Captain Dewey Wilson. Dewey was a life-long resident of Patterson. 
He was born October 8th, 1927 to Dewey Wilson, Sr. and Lissa Mae Daigle Wilson. 
Upon graduation from Patterson High School in 1944, he entered the US Merchant 
Marines and served aboard the C.W. Paisley in the Pacific during World War II. 
After the war, he returned to Louisiana and joined his father and brothers in 
the family shrimping business. In the 50's, he was a paratrooper in the US Army 
belonging to the 82nd Airborne.

In 1964, Dewey began working for Tidex where he was one of their first captains 
to deliver boats internationally. In a 22 year career at Tidewater and 
Seahorse, he delivered boats to 51 countries. Dewey ended his career at 
Seahorse as Manager of International Operations. During his career, he served 
as a contractor for the US Navy and was an expert witness for the US Maritime 
Law Department. Dewey was a 60+ year member of the US Naval Institute and was a 
Master Mason in the Grand Lodge of Louisiana.

Dewey worked as an instructor at Young Memorial Technical College from 1960-65 
and from 1999-2010. He was one of the original instructors in the marine 
department. Over the years, Captain Wilson taught literally hundreds of young 
men and women to earn their captain's, mate's, radar, rules of the road and 
celestial navigation license/certifications and to help them pass required 
Coast Guard exams. Dewey often collaborated with the Coast Guard to write these 
exams and training curriculum. He was one of the few local captains to hold any 
ocean/unlimited tonnage license. Before his retirement from Young Memorial in 
2010, Dewey was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Louisiana Technical 
College System.

Dewey is survived by his wife: Melba, his daughters: Lissa Wilson (of Inez, TX) 
and Lesli Fridge (of Richmond, TX), two granddaughters: Sonja and Jasmine 
Wilson DeLong, one sister: Genoria Staples and two brothers: Jimmy and Lyman 
Wilson- all from Patterson. He is preceded in death by his parents: Dewey 
Wilson, Sr. and Lissa Mae Daigle Wilson, one brother: Tommy Wilson, and two 
sisters: Betty Distefeno and Dorothy Knudson.

A viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Ibert's 
Funeral Home in Patterson from 6 pm to 9 pm, and will continue Thursday at St. 
Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson at 9 am. Funeral Services will be held at 
St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Patterson on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 11 am 

with burial immediately following at the St. Joseph's Cemetery. 

There will be a viewing prior to the funeral beginning at 9 am.

If desired, donations may be given in memory of Captain Dewey Wilson to the 
Young Memorial Marine Department or to the Alzheimer's Association 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert's Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, 
Patterson, LA

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