Karl Dudley Tew Sr.

Karl Dudley Tew, Sr., was a larger-than-life man whose story is defined by courage, adventure, and independence. Born on September 24, 1946, Dudley lived boldly and without hesitation, embracing life with a fearless spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Dudley was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Campise, and his father, Orville Tew.

He is survived by his four children: Casey Bolen (David), and her children Emily and Daebo, along with three great-grandchildren; William “Billy” Tew, and his children Victoria, Abigail, and William; Karl “Tookie” Tew, Jr. (Carey), and their children Jake and Sawyer; and Stephaney Tew. He is also survived by his sister, Winnie Ainsworth, and many extended family members (especially Brooklyn Cassel) and friends who were touched by his remarkable life.

A proud United States Marine, Dudley carried the values of strength, resilience, and determination throughout his life. He was a successful business owner, operating local bars, grocery stores, and pawn shops, earning respect for his work ethic, sharp instincts, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Dudley was best known for his unmatched sense of adventure and fearless approach to life. An avid daredevil, he found excitement wherever it existed—catching alligators, handling snakes, and even owning venomous snakes, including cobras, gaboon vipers, and rattlesnakes. He was a scuba diver, barefoot skier, skydiver, pilot, and paraplane enthusiast. His stories included surviving a grouper swallowing his arm, noodling, and breaking his neck while riding a jet ski backwards—each tale told with humor, grit, and disbelief.

Dudley loved the water and the outdoors, spending time on his houseboat on Lake Ouachita, enjoying his Florida home, building a reef in the Orange River under his dock, and traveling whenever possible. He cherished adventures such as kayaking, bicycling, and sharing laughter and unforgettable memories along the way. Even the unexpected—like keeping a fainting goat—became part of the legend that was Dudley Tew.

Above all, Dudley lived fully, boldly, and unapologetically. While liver cancer was not on his bucket list, it was the final challenge that ended his escapades. His life was an adventure, his stories unforgettable, and his legacy lives on through his family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be: Bill Geaslin, David Bolen, Edward Best, Karl “Tookie” Tew Jr., William “Billy” Tew, and William Tew.

Graveside Memorial service will be held at Forest Park West 4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport on Friday, January 16th at 2:00pm.