He was born July 12, 1940, in Portsmouth, Ohio, a son of the late Rev. Charles and Nellie Maloney Lykins. Dewey was united in marriage in 1961 to Linda Faye Beesler Lykins, who survives.

 Also surviving are a son, Matt (Becky) Lykins, of Grove City, Ohio; a daughter, Michelle Lykins, of Richmond, Va.; a brother, Elza Wayne (Donna) Lykins, of New Boston; a sister, Lorene Francis (William Bowman), of Gaithersburg, Md.; two grandchildren, Cory and Lindsey Lykins; two sisters-inlaw, Mary "Babe" Lykins and Nona Jean Lykins; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Ronnie, Edward and Melvin Lykins.

 Dewey retired as the superintendent of Bloom-Vernon Local School District in 1990. Following his retirement, he worked as an educational consultant on many state-wide, regional and local projects. Before his 10 years as superintendent in the district, he served as high schoo lprincipal for two years, elementary principal for four years, transportation supervisor for two years and special projects director for 15 years. He was an English and government teacher at Shawnee State University, South Webster High School, Minford High School and Valley High School.

As a teacher, he was very involved with extra-curricular activities. He coached basketball, baseball and track; directed numerous class plays and drama productions; initiated the Quiz-bowl academic competition team; sponsored junior/senior proms and class field trips. He initiated the South Webster High School Hall of Fame.

 Dewey received a Masters of Arts degree in English from Marshall University in 1969. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in English from Rio Grande College in 1966. He graduated from South Webster High School in 1958.

 Before and during his career as an educator, Dewey worked as a promoter and scorer at several auto racetracks, a forklift and dozer operator, a laborer and truck driver at the family sawmill and pallet production facility, and a laboratory technician at Dayton-Walther Foundry.

 His favorite times were spent golfing, reading, playing softball and following the Jeeps. He cherished every moment with his grandchildren.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution be made in Dewey's name to the Legacy Fund at South Webster High School. Donations should be sent to Legacy Fund, Bloom-Vernon Local School District, P.O. Box 100, South Webster, OH 45682.

 Visitation will be on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, from 2 to 6 p.m. at D.W. Davis Funeral Home in South Webster. Aprivate burial will take place at the convenience of the family in South Webster Cemetery with Dustin Keslar officiating.

 Arrangements are under the direction of D.W. Davis Funeral Home in South Webster.