Delbert Lewis' Obituary
Delbert Laverne Lewis, son of Sigal B. and Etta May Reese Lewis, was born April 1, 1926, in Welch, Oklahoma. He departed this life Sunday, May 22, 2011, in Christian Health Care South, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-five years, one month, and twenty-one days.
On January 1, 1950, he was united in marriage to Edna D. Wilson, and to this union two sons were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles Enos Lewis; and a sister, Helen Stoner.
Delbert is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Edna, of the home; two sons, Randy Lewis, and his wife, Lynn, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Chuck Lewis, and his wife, Teresa, of Falcon, Missouri; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Dicie Decker; a brother-in-law, Finis Light; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Oklahoma. As a young man, he entered the United States Army and served in World War II. While working construction, he met Edna while she was working at the Portland Caf?. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Delbert worked as a linesman for Bell Telephone Company. Once he and Edna were married, they made their home in the Lebanon area and lovingly raised their sons. He also worked on the construction of the Bennett Spring dam and the building of Route 66, now Interstate 44. He was employed in the maintenance department of Lebanon R-III Schools for a time, and then worked at Detroit Tool Company until retiring at the age of sixty-two. Throughout his life, Delbert also owned and operated a cattle farm and was a respected stockman.
Delbert was a longtime member of Crossroads Freewill Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon. For the last several years, he had attended Second Freewill Baptist Church in Lebanon.
He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge # 192 in Lebanon. He enjoyed farm work and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Delbert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
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