Francis "Luke" Lewis (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Francis Lugene “Luke” Lewis, son of Oliver and Elva Volner Lewis, was born February 27, 1928, in Black, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, May 27, 2019, in Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-one years, and three months.
In 1967, he was united in marriage to Mary Pauline Caviness Mann, and they shared the last fifty-one years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and five brothers, U.L., Bob, Michell, McCoy, and Raymond Lewis.
Luke is survived by his loving wife, Mary Pauline, of the home; two sons, Ronnie Lewis, and Sherry Odorizii, and Gene Lewis, and his wife, Gina, both of Lebanon, Missouri; a step-son, Jerry Paul Mann, and his wife, Maria, of Kansas City, Missouri; a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Lebanon area. He joined the military as a young man and served his country faithfully in the United States Marine Corps. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, he returned to the Lebanon area and began working as a truck driver. He drove for the Independent Stave Company, now Missouri Cooperage, and for VanStavern Oil Company for a total of fifty years. He and Mary Pauline made their home near Lebanon, and lovingly raised their sons.
Luke had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Oakland Heritage Church of God.
He enjoyed trading cars, fishing and spending time outdoors. He liked to tinker with things and was very versatile in fixing all kinds of things. He had a love for music and enjoyed singing. Since making his home in the nursing home, he enjoyed singing hymns to the residents each day.
Luke was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his ninety-one years.
A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.
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