Dewey Herrington, born in Wellington Kansas, June 16, 1946, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2008 from complications from degenerative brain disease.
Dear son of Burrel Dean and Helen Jane, dear brother of Melvin Dean and David, life partner of Walter Kogelis. Dewey contracted polio at the young age of two. He later attended Wichita State University and moved to Chicago in 1972 where he met his life partner Walter. Worked at Playboy Magazine in the early seventies and was employed at Chicago Tribune until 1979 as top sales account executive. Dewey worked for over 9 years at the City of Chicago where he assisted the Director, Department of Revenue.
Along with his partner he created, owned and operated for over 27 years “Pass the Salt and Pepper”, a gift store specializing in table linens, gift and bath accessories located on North Broadway where he founded the North Broadway Merchants Association and merged with the Broadway Development Corporation which later became known as the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce. Dewey also served as a Special Service Area Commissioner for Lakeview East.
Often known as “Mayor of Broadway”, Dewey was an integral part of the growth of the commercial district, working with elected officials in the 44th Ward, and neighboring merchants. Mr. Herrington was the “Official Monitor” for the gay pride parade for over 25 years. He sang for many years with the Chicago Gay Men Choir. His dedication to the gay community was endless. Dewey worked with the 23rd District Steering Committee to help with the GBLT. In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, Dewey Herrington was instrumental in collaborating with social service agencies to help with those inflicted by the disease including his twin brother who eventually lost his battle with AIDS. Dewey and his life partner Walter were together for over 40 years and their chemistry together made Broadway a special place to visit. Dewey will be put to rest next to his twin brother Melvin.
Services will be held at Graceland Cemetery on Saturday, August 16th at 11AM.
Photo courtesy Gay Chicago.