William F. “Bill” Lewis, 92, of Edina, Missouri, passed away Sunday, July 18, 2021, at The Pines in Kirksville, Missouri, surrounded by family.
He was born January 18, 1929 the 10th of 12 children and 8th son of Clifford and Mary (Tully) Lewis.
Bill attended the Edina Public School, graduating from the Edina High School in the Class of 1947.
He served three years active duty in the U.S. Army and spent a total of 36 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a member of the Cyril A Graham American Legion Post #261, of Edina, Missouri.
Bill married Cecyle M. Stanley of Kirksville, Missouri in 1951. (She preceded him in death on January 8, 1995.)
To this union four children were born, two daughters, Colleen M. (Mike) Brinkmeyer of Liberty, Illinois and Jennifer K. Lewis of Columbia, Missouri and two sons Bill (Jean) Lewis Jr. of Springfield, Missouri and Kerry M. (Laura) Lewis of Columbia, Missouri. Bill had 6 grandsons; Chris (Cindy) Brinkmeyer of Dunkirk, Maryland and Rob Brinkmeyer of Liberty, Illinois, Brad Lewis of Springfield, Missouri, Ben (Anita) Lewis of Springfield, Missouri, Jason Lewis and Kyle Lewis of Columbia, Missouri and 1 granddaughter Cecylee Lewis of Albuquerque, New Mexico; four great-grandchildren; Geneve and Madelleine Brinkmeyer, Alek Caskey and Lily Lewis. Later in life, Bill married Leona Galloway of Kirksville who survives. He’s also survived by a younger brother, Bob Lewis of Gibbs, Missouri.
His nine oldest siblings were born a generation before him making him an uncle to children of his generation. He enjoyed the pleasure of being a playmate to his brother Bobby and baby sister Catherine ‘Sissy’ as well as his nephews and nieces. Bill was very close to his next oldest brother, Donald Ray. He loved to share stories about their adventures some of which are written into his stories. Donald Ray was killed in a tragic horseback accident when he was a young teenager.
Perhaps being born during the Great Depression and the circumstances of his family life lent him to write about the adventures he experienced and the stories he then wrote. Because he enjoyed sharing his reflections in these short stories he offered them to the Edina Sentinel which ran weekly for several years. Bill also shared his writings in a weekly feature in the Kirksville Daily Express called ‘Looking Back.’ He enjoyed having conversations with readers who would call to share their thoughts of the things he wrote. He compiled these stories into three books, two of which are now published. He also enjoyed writing poems. Bill was an ardent student of geography but he’d say he loved history and studying cultures even more.
When his nuclear family was young, they traveled extensively throughout the United States. He then took grandson Jason on a trip through the western coastal states in the mid-1990s and his grandson Rob through the New England states in the early 2000s. When in his early 60s he then went to the Holy Land twice to participate in archeological digs and explorations. While there he was baptized in the Jordan River. Bill was always interested in the state of the country. He easily shared his conservative values in conversation with friends and family. Many fine individuals were positive throughout his life but the following are ones he’d like to mention: Ray Peters, Jimmy Allen, Carol May, Ed Meek, Bing Witherow, Assembly of God pastor Merle J. White, Assembly of God pastor E.E. Hembree, his growing up (older) mentoring Edina friend Joe Sutton, Paul Harvey, President James Madison, President Teddy Roosevelt, his primary care physician Dr. Robert W. Sparks D.O., but most importantly – his mother and father, Mary and Clifford Lewis.
He was a dedicated Christian. He was a lifetime member of the Assembly of God Church in Edina. He also became a member of the Central Church of Christ in Kirksville. He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as a young person.
His family will cherish their memories of times spent working, playing, traveling and sharing holidays. He leaves behind yearning hearts to be united again in Heaven.
Bill loved the land, trees, berries, plants, birds, rabbits and just about any animal or wildlife. Bill planted perhaps 500 trees during his lifetime.
He was primarily engaged in farming and livestock production in the Hurdland and Edina areas.
He will be buried 150 feet from the place he was born.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Edina Assembly of God Church.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2021, at the Doss Funeral Home in Edina, Missouri.
Full Military Honors by Cyril A Graham American Legion Post #261, will be at the Linville Cemetery near Edina, Missouri.
An expression of sympathy in memory of Bill Lewis may be left to the Edina Nutrition Site. A memorial may be left at or mailed to the Doss Funeral Home 208 N. 4th Street, Edina, Missouri 63537.