Robert Duane (Dewey) Mayes died at the Warren General hospital on December 12th, 2019, after suffering a heart attack. He was born on January 26, 1933 in Warriors Mark, PA. He grew up in Huntingdon, PA where he was a Boy Scout and a Sea Scout. He graduated vice-president emeritus from Huntingdon High School in 1950. Dewey attended Huntingdon Secretarial School where he graduated with highest honors before enlisting in the US Navy. He served during the Korean War, and then attended Juniata College, graduating in 1956 with a degree in economics. Dewey married the love of his live, Joanna Kundla on July 12, of 1958. They couple lived in Warren and raised 7 children together.
Dewey loved his God, his family and his country. He was a lifelong drummer and a devoted Catholic. He attended St. Michael’s Byzantine Church, St. Joseph’s and Holy Redeemer Church, were he served as a lector, a Eucharistic minister, a choir member, and a member of the Knights of Columbus (3rd degree). He was a charter member and President of the Serra Club of Warren County. He was also the charter treasurer of the Warren County Christian School Board. He served as a weekly religious volunteer at the McKean Federal Prison for over 10 years.
Dewey was known for his great sense of humor, always quick with a one-liner in any situation. He was employed by GTE Sylvania and also served as the treasurer of their federal credit union. He was passionate about sharing his Ukrainian heritage through his Pysanky, Ukrainian Easter Eggs. He demonstrated the ancient process at schools, churches, and social organizations. A two-time cancer survivor, he was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine Weko Donoff, Dean R, Mayes, and step father, Bruce Donoff; and his daughter Michele Mayes Huber; and sons Stephen and Andrew Mayes; his brother Carl, and sisters Carol and Eleanor Donoff, and Beverly Clarr, and brother-in-law Darryl Clarr.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joanna K. Mayes; sons Greg (Sue) Mayes of Blaine, WA., John (Bonnie) Mayes of Erie, and Joel Mayes of Franklin, TN, and daughter Melissa (Andy) Mayes Rogers of Pittsburgh, PA; his grandchildren, Caleb Stein, Josh, Rachel, Noah, Ethan and Evan Mayes, Robert, Logan and Marlee Fraser, Emily and Jon Huber, Leo and Calvin Rogers, and his great Grandson, Drake Stein; brothers, Don and Rich (Anne) Donoff, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. 304 East Street, Warren on Sunday, Dec. 15th from 6-8 pm. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11 Russell Street, Warren on Monday, Dec. 16th at 10am with Fr. Stephen Shreiber, Pastor, and Fr. Richard Tomasone, Pastor of St. Joseph R.C. Church, Warren, officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Warren County Veteran’s Council, 204 Fourth Ave., Warren, PA 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
I am so heartfelt to have opened my hometown newspaper and found that a man who was so kind and giving to me in my youth has passed away. I have many memories of Mr. Mayes as the father of my best friend, Andy, who became Drew. I remember how one day Mr. Mayes sat me down and showed me how to use a slide-ruler. We sat elbow to elbow on the couch. I remember he loved these really wonderful decorated Easter eggs. I remember him keeping a close eye on Andy and John, two wonderful people I was lucky enough to call friends. I remember his big brick house and how he would let the band play in the attic and ping-pong in the basement. The last time I saw Mr.Mayes was a wonderful summer day. I was visiting from out of town and his family invited me for dinner. We all sat at a big picnic table on the front porch. It was a perfect day with perfect company and then the church bells started to ring. Butch their old dog was still alive. These are all kind and gentle memories from my youth. I wish to his loved ones all the peace in the world. Thank you Mr. Mayes Thanks to the entire Mayes family for all the grace they offered me and certainly many others.
Dave,
Thanks for your kind words. He was always The Cool Dad to our friends, which is pretty cool, when you think of it.
He will be missed…