Richard “Dick” Bewell

Richard “Dick” Eugene Bewell 

Age 97 formerly of Lowell, MI passed away peacefully on May 31, 2022. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Emma Jean Bewell; an infant daughter; three brothers and seven sisters.  He is survived by sons James (Maria), Robert (Jill); “daughter” Sandy Bewell (Rich Dykstra); granddaughters Sister Paisia, Angela (Josh) Thompson; grandsons Andrew (Ashley), Christopher, and Thomas Bewell; great grandsons Samuel and Abram Thompson; and several nieces and nephews.

Dick was born in Boyne City, MI. After the death of both parents he moved to Lowell, MI to live with his sister Helen Bewell who Bewell Ave was named after. Dick proudly served in the US Navy during WWII on the destroyers USS Parrott and USS Higbee as a sonarman. Upon his return to civilian life, he became a Grand Rapids Police officer where he dutifully served for 31 years before retiring. In 1948 he met the love of his life Jean VerBurg, a Butterworth E.R. nurse and after a short courtship they were married. Together they built two homes and a cottage, and settled in Lowell, MI where they proudly raised their two boys.  Dick was the one of the handiest men you’d ever meet. He enjoyed wood working, and could build, fix, or create anything. In his retirement he was instrumental in creating the Lowell Methodist Church food pantry (Now known as the Flat River Outreach Ministries) and maintained the grounds at Schneider Manor into his 90’s. He was a generous, kind, and loving man who will be greatly missed by his family. Funeral services will be 11 AM, Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson St., Lowell, MI 49331, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Brad Brillhart officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to FROM, 11535 Fulton St. E, Lowell, MI 49331.