| Notes |
- This article was on the front page of the Southeast Missourian:
A hamburger maker who made history dies
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Scott Moyers ~ Southeast Missourian
Wimpy's was the last of Cape Girardeau's true burger joints, where carhops in the 1950s served cherry Cokes and cheeseburgers to rowdy teens who later in life would continue popping in to talk sports, swap jokes or just to see its affable white-aproned owner.
Bill Lewis, who was known for his easy rapport with his customers as much as his tasty "Wimpy Burgers," died on Tuesday. He was 76.
"He had a story for everybody," said Lewis' brother, Freeman. "He was a big sports fan, so he'd talk sports or tell jokes. He liked to talk to everybody. I guess you don't see that much anymore."
Wimpy's was a Cape Girardeau institution for 55 years, growing from hamburger stand to wildly popular teen hangout before tapering off to a smaller establishment that served its last burger in 1997.
The one constant was Bill Lewis.
Former customers said Wednesday that Wimpy's closing ended a nostalgic chapter in Cape Girardeau's history and that Lewis' death reminded them of how important Wimpy's had been to them.
When he was a young boy, Cape Girardeau barber Bill Sisco and his family went to Wimpy's several nights a week.
"It was just a fantastic place," said Sisco, who also was Lewis' barber for many years. "He was a real people person. And those burgers. Let's just put it this way: That recipe must have been a top U.S. government secret. There hasn't been a hamburger around here like that since Wimpy's closed."
Lewis' brother, Freeman, bought a hamburger stand called Wimpy's in 1942. Located on the northwest corner of Kingshighway and Cape Rock Drive, Wimpy's -- which took its name from the cartoon character Popeye's hamburger-loving friend -- sold its specialty for 7 cents apiece.
The Lewis' parents, Fred and Ethyl, ran the stand while Freeman and his brother, Frank, were fighting World War II. Soon after they returned, the business moved across the street to the corner now occupied by the Bank of America. Youngest brother Bill joined the business soon afterward.
Cape's 'American Graffiti'
It was while at this location that Wimpy's became a popular hang-out for the high-school crowd. One of those teenagers was Al Spradling III, now a 57-year-old lawyer and former Cape Girardeau mayor.
Through the 1950s and 1960s, Spradling said, it was the place to find Cape Girardeau's teenagers at lunch, after school or at night.
"It was huge," Spradling said. "In the '50s and '60s, it was like 'American Graffiti.' There were two places you could go -- either Pfister's or Wimpy's. It was the place to go."
Spradling said Lewis family would get angry at teens who would get out of their cars and loiter or when cars would peel out onto the highway. Eventually, police were hired to oversee the lot.
"We probably gave them more grief than they needed," Spradling said.
Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle has vivid memories of Bill Lewis.
"He was always all decked out in white, cooking hamburgers, laughing with the customers," said Swingle, 49. "One side of the building was a restaurant and the other was a small grocery store. That's where I got my comic books. There was always a crowd there. But it was Bill that made it a fun place."
In 1973, the Lewises sold the land to a bank. Freeman and Frank got out of the business, and Bill moved the restaurant to South Kingshighway. He switched to serving breakfast and lunch only, and his clientele aged considerably.
Wimpy's then became home to the coffee shop crowd, where customers talked about the day's headlines or how Southeast Missouri State University's sports teams did.
"We went to Wimpy's more for the conversation than the food," said Jerry Schwab, 63. "Bill always had a good story or a good joke. Bill was a very, very fine guy. You'll never find a local restaurant that had the following that Wimpy's had."
OBITUARY
Billie J. Lewis, 76, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at Saint Francis Medical Center.
He was born Feb. 3, 1929, in Des Arc, Mo., son of Fred and Ethel Miller Lewis. He and Florence Felter were married May 9, 1964, in Cape Girardeau.
Lewis moved to Cape Girardeau in 1938 from Des Arc. He was involved with the family business, Wimpy's Restaurant on North Kingshighway, from 1942 to 1973. He then owned and operated the restaurant on South Kingshighway until retiring in 1997.
He was a 1946 graduate of Central High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University. He was a member of Hopeful Investment Club; booster clubs at Southeast, Central High School and Notre Dame Regional High School; served as treasurer of Southeast Booster Club 25 years, and was currently a member of its booster board.
Lewis was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Eagles, Elks, American Legion and Kimbeland Country Club. He was a past member of Jaycees and helped build the Jaycee Golf Course, and was a past member of the Exchange Club.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Survivors include his wife; two sisters, Frieda Howard and Leta Bahn of Cape Girardeau; two brothers, Frank and Freeman Lewis of Cape Girardeau.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son and a brother.
From: "Paul Kabo"
Date: 2005/04/15 Fri PM 12:58:36 EDT
Subject: Funeral of Billie Lewis
A SERVICE OF WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION
THE FUNERAL OF Billie Jay Lewis
April 15, 2005
The Prelude "How Great Thou Art"
ASSEMBLE IN GOD'S NAME- Rev. Paul Kabo, Jr.
We gather here in this place on this day in April because of the life
and influence of Bill Lewis. You assemble in this room for this
service motivated by your love and friendship to Billie. Listen now
to the words of comfort and life from our Holy Bible.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8
When we were baptized in Christ Jesus,
we were baptized into his death.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death,
so that as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
we too might live a new life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his,
we shall certainly be united with him
in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:3-5
THE PRAYER
Eternal God, amid all the changes of life you alone remain the same.
We acknowledge the uncertainty of our life on earth.
We are given a mere handful of days,
and our span of life seems nothing in your sight.
All flesh is as grass;
and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades;
but the word of our God will stand forever.
Our hope is in you, O God.
Even in the valley of the shadow of death, you are with us.
O Lord, let us know our end
and the number of our days,
that we may know how fleeting life is.
Hear our prayer,
and turn your ear to our cry.
Be not deaf to our tears,
for we live as strangers before you,
wandering pilgrims as all our ancestors were.
But you are the same
and your years shall have no end. Amen.
THE WORDS OF ASSURANCE
Who is in a position to condemn?
Only Christ, and Christ died for us,
Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us,
Christ prays for us. Romans 8:34
Hear and believe the good news of the gospel: God is love.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
Be reconciled to God and to one another. Amen.
-PROCLAIM GOD'S WORD-
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION - Fr. Derek Swanson
Source of all true wisdom,
calm the troubled waters of our hearts,
and still all other voices but your own,
that we may hear and obey
what you tell us in your Word,
through the power of your Spirit. Amen.
THE SCRIPTURE READINGS
Fr. Derek Swanson Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
For everything its season,
and for every activity under heaven its time;
a time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;
a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to pull down and a time to build up;
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time for mourning and a time for dancing;
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them;
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time
to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away;
a time to tear and a time to mend;
a time for silence and a time for speech;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
What do we gain from all our work?
I know the heavy burdens God has laid on us.
God has the right time for everything.
Rev. Paul Kabo, Jr. Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear
no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you
anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
THE HYMN - Amazing Grace 280
THE Reflection REV. PAUL KABO, JR.
When I asked the family for a description of the character of Bill
Lewis, the first item was about Bill's penchant for humor and funny
stories. Bill told jokes and could spin a good story. I would repeat
a joke or two now, but I am sure that you have heard them all before.
How many of you went to that restaurant - Wimpy's? The newspaper gave
front page coverage to "A hamburger maker who made history" and then
wrote about this famous Wimpy's. The article said, "Bill Lewis, who
was known for his easy rapport with his customers as much as his tasty
"Wimpy Burgers." Bill Lewis knew you all, swapped stories with you,
and knew the latest information about events or people. What a
significant skill and talent it is to be able to have an easy rapport
with folks, to meet friends at every turn, and to create a
conversation which ends with folks smiling, laughing and feeling so
very good. Did not Jesus of Nazareth possess some of these skills as
well?
The second item about Bill is his devotion to sports. Everybody knew that Bill Lewis loved and supported many sports activities. He was a member of the booster clubs at Southeast, Central High School and Notre Dame Regional High School; served as treasurer of Southeast Booster Club 25 years, and was currently a member of its booster board. Also Bill was a member of the Kimbeland Country Club and helped build the Jaycee Golf Course. I believe he also went to as many ball games as he could, and when he could not attend, he caught them on the radio or TV.
But sports did not occupy the totality of the time allotted to Bill
Lewis. He also involved himself in this community in these ways: Bill held active membership in the Eagles, Elks, American Legion and a past member of Jaycees. He was a member of Hopeful Investment Club, and was a past member of the Exchange Club. Billmoved to Cape Girardeau in 1938 from Des Arc and on December 24, 1944, he joined the First Presbyterian Church. I would be remiss if I did not mention that Bill Lewis served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. These activities are proof that this man was dedicated to be a part of this community in as many ways as possible.
I guess that you all know that Bill knew politeness. He never said
"Huh? Or Yup." He said, "Yes ma'am or No ma'am." He said "Thank
you." And he did not use the current young generation's reply to
Thank you - which is "No problem." Bill said, "You are Welcome."
Bill knew and used the correct responses because he knew manners.
This legacy of good manners is something for which we all could
strive. And these good manners might be related to Bill's
understanding of his humble relationship to his Lord and Savior.
And Bill Lewis knew family. This Lewis family is a strong one and one
that is so very close to each other. Blood is thicker than water and
family love is more powerful than any temporary disagreement. I have
been impressed with the Lewis family and I pray for their continued
impact and influence in this city and community.
Bill Lewis had a strong faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. He has been
a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. I only
remember Bill from my brief time here in Cape. But in the last couple
of years, I have seen Bill in church on a frequent basis. He came to
pray, to worship, and to acknowledge the faith in Jesus Christ. And
in these past few months of this Spring, Bill and I had an opportunity
to talk as he discovered long stays in the hospital. Yes, he told
jokes and stories, but he also got serious in response to the gravity
of his illness. He talked about his wish for no extensive treatment,
his position before the Lord God Almighty, and his faith. We prayed
together, and I became aware of a significant faith in Bill Lewis.
Billie Jay Lewis
Born - February 3, 1929.
Died - Tuesday, April 12, 2005.
He is survived by his wife, Florence
two sisters, Frieda Howard and Leta Bahn
two brothers, Frank and Freeman
Bill Lewis now resides in God's eternal heaven. Let us join together in prayer.
THE PRAYERS - Fr. Derek Swanson
God of grace:
in Jesus Christ you have given a new and living hope.
We thank you that by dying Christ destroyed the power of death;
and that by rising from the grave,
he opened the way to eternal life.
Help us to know that because he lives, we shall live also;
and that neither death, nor life,
nor things present, nor things to come,
shall be able to separate us from your love.
Heavenly God:
in your Son Jesus you have given us a true faith and a sure hope.
Help us to live trusting in the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
and the resurrection to life eternal.
Strengthen this faith and hope in us,
all the days of our life in Jesus Christ our Savior.
O God, before whom generations rise and pass away;
we praise you for all your servants
who, having lived this life in faith,
now live eternally with you.
Especially we thank you for your servant Billie Lewis,
for the gift of his life,
for the grace you have given him,
for all in him that was good and kind and faithful.
We thank you that for him death is past, and pain is ended,
and he has entered the joy you have prepared.
Almighty God:
in Jesus Christ you promised many homes within your house. Give
us faith to see beyond touch and sight
some sign of your kingdom,
and, where vision fails, to trust your love which never fails. Lift heavy sorrow, and give us good hope in Jesus,
so we may bravely walk our earthly way,
and look forward to the glad heavenly reunion.
O God, who called us from death to life;
we give ourselves to you;
and with the church through all ages,
we thank you for your saving love in Jesus Christ our Lord.
THE COMMENDATION - Rev. Paul Kabo, Jr.
You only are immortal, O God, the creator and maker of all. We are
mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth we shall return.
This you ordained when you created us, saying,
"You are dust, and to dust you shall return."
All of us go down to the dust;
yet even at the grave we confess our faith;
Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.
Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with all your saints, where
there is neither pain nor sorrow nor sighing,
but life everlasting.
Holy God, by your creative power you gave us the gift of life, and in
your redeeming love you have given us new life in Christ. We commend
Bill Lewis, to your merciful keeping in the faith of Christ our Lord
who died and rose again to save us,
and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
in glory forever. Amen.
THE BLESSING - Fr. Derek Swanson
Go in peace, and may the God of peace -
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great shepherd of the sheep,
by the blood of the eternal covenant -
equip you with everything good,
that you may do God's will,
working in you what is pleasing in God's sight,
through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
- THE COMMITTAL SERVICE -
THE INTRODUCTORY WORDS Rev. Paul Kabo, Jr.
At this graveside, we assemble to give witness to our faith as we
commit the body of Bill Lewis to God's hands and earth. This solemn moment contains sadness as well as peace; stillness as well as restlessness; anxiety as well as assurance. A moment like this demands the best of our faith in God. Listen now to Words of Assurance from our Holy Scripture.
THE ASSURANCES FROM SCRIPTURE Fr. Derek Swanson
I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that at the last he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25
Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one;
I died, and behold I am alive for evermore. Revelation 1:17-18
Because I live, you will live also. John 14:19
THE LORD'S PRAYER Rev. Paul Kabo, Jr.
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power
and the glory, forever. Amen.
THE COMMITTAL - Rev. Paul Kabo, Jr.
Now is the moment of committal
when we affirm our belief in the eternal promises of Jesus Christ,
and when we entrust our loved one to God, forever.
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through
our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to almighty God - Bill Lewis,
and we commit his body to the ground:
earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, says the Spirit. They rest
from their labors,
and their works follow them. Revelation 14:13
THE PRAYERS - Fr. Derek Swanson
O Lord, support us all the day long of this troubled life, until the
shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
Then, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging,
a holy rest, and peace at the last.
O God, you have designed this world,
and know all things good for us.
Give us such faith that by day and by night,
in all times and in all places, we may without fear
entrust those who are dear to us to your never-failing love, in this
life and in the life to come.
Eternal God: our days and years are lived in your mercy.
Make us know how frail we are, and how brief our time on earth;
and lead us by your Holy Spirit,
so that, when we have served you in our generation,
we may be gathered into your presence,
faithful in the church, and loving toward neighbors.
Gracious God, Savior of the whole family in heaven and on earth:
stand by those who sorrow; that, as they lean on your strength,
they may be upheld, and believe the good news of life beyond life;
we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Playing of Taps Narvol Randol
THE BLESSING - Rev. Paul Kabo, Jr.
May God's love give you confidence.
May God's truth give you direction.
May God's eternalness give you peace and hope
this day and all your days. Amen.
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1929 - 2005 (76 years)
