- Telegraph, The (Alton, IL) - January 14, 2016
VAN BUREN, MISSOURI - Howard Seal Lewis, Sr., 97, of Van Buren, Missouri, departed this life January 12, 2016, in the Riverways Manor Nursing Home in Van Buren, Missouri.
Mr. Lewis was born June 9, 1918 in Des Arc, Missouri; to the late Jerome B. and Zilla (Seal) Lewis. He grew-up and attended school in Des Arc. After graduating from the Annapolis High School, he joined the United States Army Air Corp, his rank was, Tec. 5 Sergeant First Class, and proudly served his country during World War II. He and his wife Verna raised their family in Godfrey, Illinois where he was active in his community and volunteered at the Godfrey Fire Department. He was a member of the Twelfth Street Presbyterian Church, where he had served as Elder, helped maintain the grounds, and volunteered whenever needed. While living in Godfrey, he worked for Amoco Oil Company as process supervisor until his retirement in 1972. After retiring to Van Buren, he joined the United Methodist Church, where he participated in many church activities.
He loved to hunt quail and pheasant, and was a member of the Piasa Pointer and Setter Club in Godfrey. He raised a beautiful garden every year, loved nature and the outdoors. He was responsible and accountable, a man who took responsibility for his actions and never passed the buck. He was a sharp dresser and took pride in his appearance.
On September 13, 1942, he was united in marriage to Verna Jean Long in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She preceded him in death on February 5, 2015
In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by one son, Randall Lewis; four sisters and three brothers, Avis Jones, Alta Lindquist, Inez Knight, Buford Lewis, Russell Lewis, Wana Lovelace, and Carter Lewis.
He is survived by one son, Howard Lewis, Jr., of Plainfield, Indiana; one daughter, Susan Mehan of Cordova , Tennessee ; six granddaughters, Megan Burris, Tracy Mikesell, Jeanne Waltman, Romy Maurer, Katie Simmons and Cori Egan; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Vela Nichols of St. Louis; daughter-in-law, Terri Lewis of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brother-in-law, Coleman McSpadden of Van Buren; sister-in-law, Macel Seal of Piedmont, and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends who mourn his passing.
Howard was a hardworking, much disciplined man with a good sense of honor, who had a kind heart and loved his family.
Visitation for the family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, in the United Methodist Church in Van Buren, with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Rev. Jim Cooper will officiate. Burial will be in the Des Arc Cemetery at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the United Methodist Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.mcspaddenfh.com
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