Dewey George McIlrath, 71, of Rossville, died at 7:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo.

Born June 6, 1938, in Burlington, he was the son of George and Lorena Calton McIlrath. He was a 1956 graduate of Burlington High School. His marriage was on Nov. 1, 1959, to Linda Kay “Sam” Spinn, who survives.

Mr. McIlrath owned and operated Dewey’s IGA in Sedalia and Rossville from 1962 to present.

He was a volunteer firefighter in Rossville for 10 years.

Mr. McIlrath was one of the founding members of the Angel Hill Golf Course in Rossville in 1969.

He was a member of the Elks, Moose, Beard Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Wildcat Golf Club where he was also a board member.

Mr. McIlrath was a man who led by his positive outlook on life at work and with his friends and family. His grandchildren were the light of his life.

Surviving with his wife are two sons, Kent McIlrath (wife: Cheryl) of Rossville and Kevin McIlrath (wife: Donna) of Monticello; a daughter, Kelly Hiatt (husband: Mark) of Rossville; two sisters, Melba Catron of Russiaville and Wilma Brubaker of Burlington; two brothers, Earl “Bud” McIlrath of Flora and Doyal McIlrath of Burlington; and eight grandchildren, Kelsey, Adam, Bethany, Sarah, Elizabeth, Andrew, Matthew and Jenelle.

Preceding him in death were two sisters, Pat and Jane and one brother, Tom.

Services will be today, Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. at Bodine Funeral Home in Rossville. Pastor Ed Selvidge will officiate. Burial will follow at Rossville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Clinton County Cancer Association.

Online condolences can be sent to bodinefuneralhome.com.