Chief Dewey Fillis

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Obituary: Dewey J. Fillis






Published: Tuesday, April 17 2001 10:53 a.m. MDT
Dewey J. Fillis, age 79, of Salt Lake City, died Sunday peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.


Dewey was born June 29, 1921 in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, to James and Verda Christensen Fillis. On September 19, 1941 he married Marjorie Crocker. He grew up in Mt. Pleasant and graduated from Wasatch Academy in 1939. He excelled in track, tennis, basketball and football and joined the National Guard at the age of 16. He attended Snow Junior College and Brigham Young University on a football scholarship. He went on to receive a distinguished alumnus award from Wasatch Academy and Snow College.


He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the South Pacific for 3 1/2 years during World War II. Dewey joined the Salt Lake Police Department in July of 1947 and served in nearly every division. The last 15 years of his career were spent in administration as Captain, Assistant Chief and Chief of Police. He graduated from the FBI National Academy and was an instructor at the University of Utah, Weber State, Brigham Young University and the University of Wyoming. He was a member of the International Chiefs of Police, the Governor's Panel on the Crimes Omnibus Bill, the Travelers Aid Association, the Utah Drug Abuse Panel and was the Department Commander of the American Legion, Post 2. Dewey also served as Chairman of the Utah Peace Officers Standard and Training Council. He was awarded many certificates of commendation, among them the National Reverence for Law Award by the Fraternal Order of Eagles. While Chief, he established many programs and committees geared toward crime prevention.


Dewey loved sports and was active for many years. He was a member of the Alpine Country Club, but was unable to play the last few years because of his health. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers and the Utah Jazz.


Preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Leon. Survived by his wife Marjorie, daughters Marilyn Joyner (Monty), Susan Cook and son Dale (Becky), a brother Elmer (Reva), brother-in-law, Lawrence Crocker (Pat), seven grandchildren and their spouses, 10 great-grandchildren and his nieces and nephews.


Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2001 at 12 noon at Evans & Early Mortuary, 574 East 100 South, where friends and family may call one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to their favorite charity. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.