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• familyserch.org ID: KN4F-SP6
• Created: 09 Aug 2018

Notes:

!MARRIAGE LICENSE STATE OF MISSOURI... COUNTY OF IRON ...This License authorizes any Judge of a Court of Record or any Justice of the Peace, or any licensed or ordained Preacher of the Gospel, who is a Citizen of the United States, or who is a resident ofand a Pastor of any Church in this State to solemnize Marriage between Fred Lewis of Des Arc in the County of Iron and State of Missouri who is over the age of twenty one years, and Ethel M. Miller of Des Arc in the County of Iron and State of Missouri who is over the age of eighteen years. This is to certify that I did on the 27th day of May unite in marriage Fred Lewis and Ethel M. Miller.

Witness My Hand, as Circuit Clerk and ex Officio Recorder of Deeds with the Seal of Office hereto affixed at my Office in Ironton No this 23rd day of may 1916.

J.M. Hawkins, Circuit Clerk and ex Officio Recorder of Deeds

******************************************************************************************************

STATE OF MISSOURI, COUNTY OF IRON ...This is to Certify, that the undersigned, Fred Lewis and Ethel M. Miller did, at Des Arc in said County, on the 27 day of May A. D. 1916 unite in Marriage the above named persons, and I further certify that I as legally qualified under the Laws of the State of Missouri to solemnize Marriages.

Eld. H. J. Wray.
*****************************************************************************************************
The foregoing Certificate of Marriage was filed for Record in my office on the
26 day of June A.D. 1916
J. M. Hawkins, Circuit Clerk and ex Officio Recorder of Deeds
(Copy of certificate obtained from Carolyn Keathley McBurney in June 1991)

!NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
DES ARC ITEMS

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis called while at their old home last Sunday, and said they were all well contented with the new home over at the Cape. (IRON COUNTY REGISTER newspaper... Ironton, Missouri ...January 5, 1939)

!NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis and son from Cape Girardeau were here last week to visit his brother, James Lewis and family. They had been to Ironton to visit his sister, Mrs. Tyler Keathley who is ill but we are glad to report her as improved. (DES ARC HARKENINSS column ...THE MOUNTAIN ECHO newspaper ...Ironton, Iron County, Missouri ...Thursday, May 12, 1955)

!OBITUARY
FRED LEWIS, 77, CAPE BUSINESSMAN, DIES, BORN AT ANNAPOLIS

Fred Lewis, 77 years old, president of the Wimpy’s Drive In and Market, 800 North Kingshighvay, Cape Girardeau, died Tuesday night, July 22, at 6:10 at a hospital there where he had been admitted Saturday from the family home at 819 West Cape Rock Drive. Mr. Lewis had been in failing health three months.

Funeral services were conducted last Thursday afternoon at 2 at First Presbyterian Church Cape Girardeau, by the pastor. Rev. C.E. Mount. Interment was in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers, all nephews, were Buford Lewis, Howard Lewis, Darwin Lewis,Russell Lewis, Elvis Lewis and Orville Lewis.

Surviving relatives are his wife, Mrs. Ethel Lewis; four sons, Frank, Francis, Freeman and Billie J. Lewis, all of Cape; two daughters, Mrs. Truman Howard and Mrs. E. Lawrence Bahn of Cape Girardeau and 11 grandchildren.
Two brothers surviving are J.M. Lewis of Des Arc and W.W. Lewis of Flat River.
Born January 16, 1881, at Annapolis, he Married Miss Ethel Miller on May 27, 1916. Mr. Lewis engaged in farming until they moved to Cape Girardeau in 1938 from Des Arc. In 1943, he and two of the sons, Freeman and Billie opened the present place of business. The son, Frank, joined the firm in 1948.
Mr. Lewis was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau.
(Thursday, July 31, 1958...Copy of newspaper clipping was received in September 1992 from Mary Lu Politte. She obtained the article from Naomi Lewis Zager)

!NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

Mrs. James Lewis and Darwin Lewis, Mrs. Everett Seal, Mr. and Mrs. Buford Lewis attended the funeral of Fred Lewis at Cape Girardeau last week. Mr. Lewis was born and reared on a farm near Des Arc and had many friends here. His funeral was held from the Presbyterian Church at Cape Girardeau where he was an active member. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Ethel Lewis and a number of children and grandchildren. We sympathize with the bereaved ones.
(THE MOUNTAIN ECHO newspaper ...Ironton, Iron County, Missouri... July 31, 1958)

Research notes courtesy of Linda E. Lewis, “George Lewis Descendants”, published October 1992.

Fred Lewis birthplace (1881) - GPS: 37.367836 -90.711768

Fred Lewis farm (1910-1938) - GPS: 37.301644. -90.609957

In 1941, Fred Lewis was employed by a Florist, Ledru R. Johnson, whose flower shop and greenhouse was located at 730 N. Henderson in Cape Girardeau.

On the Fred Lewis farm:

Susie is the blind mule
Kit is the mule
Charlie is the horse

Written by oldest grandchild - Richard Lewis Howard in May 2023:

My mother’s father, my grandpa, Fred Lewis was born at Annapolis, Missouri on January 16, 1881 to William Lewis and Abigail Johnson the 12th of 13 children. Grandpa Fred was a thin, wiry, not strong man. He was very friendly and well liked by all who met him. He was the exact opposite of grandma. Grandpa loved to interact with people. He was always telling jokes. I’m still amazed at how he remembered all his jokes. I don’t have the ability to remember even one joke from one day to the next.

Grandpa Fred grew up on a farm and later owned his own farm. He got married when he was 35 years old. Grandma and grandpa Lewis had four boys and two girls. They raised their children in a two level, eight room farm house, with four rooms on each level. Mother told me the story of some of the children sleeping in the attic. In the winter time she said she would wake up sometimes with a sprinkling of snow on her covers. The kids helped their parents with the farm tasks from an early age. My mother tells the story of washing a drying dishes when she was so young that she had to stand on a stool to reach the sink. They stayed on the farm as long as they could, but when the children became young adults the burden became to much for grandma and grandpa and they sold the farm and moved to town.

My best memories of my grandpa Fred happened in and around Wimpy’s. My mother worked there in 1950 and 1951 when dad was recovering from tuberculosis. At other times, she often helped out when they were real busy. So as a youngster, I often found my self at Wimpy’s. I gravitated to the food market side of the building where I could find my grandpa. No matter the situation, he was always glad to see me. I know being the first grandchild worked in my favor here. Grandpa would ask me if I wanted to help him and for some reason I was always ready for the task he gave me. Many times we just worked together on whatever he was involved with at the time and he would teach me how to do whatever it was we were doing. They did not have an electric vacuum cleaner, so we were always sweeping the wooden floors in the grocery aisles.

in the basement underneath the restaurant were stacks and stacks of wooden crates filled with different brands of soda. Grandpa had a wooden slide that we used to slide the full soda crates down the stairs into the basement then we carried them to the appropriate stack. I was strong enough to carry the crates of empty bottles, but grandpa had to carry the ones with the full bottles. In the early days Wimpy’s sold cold bottles of soda. I don’t remember the year they switched to fountain drinks. But they had fountain drinks when I started high school in 1957.

I loved to watch grandpa make the hamburgers sold in the restaurant. There was a meat locker full of sides of beef that was located in the butcher shop by the meat counter. We would go inside the locker and get a slab of beef and he would grind it up into ground beef. Then he mixed it with the special ingredients that made the Wimpy burger unique, form it into a long 12 inch or so slab, then put it into the meat slicer and slice the slab into patties with a piece of wax paper inserted between each patty. Oh the memories, this was a special time for me. The family still makes the Wimpy’s hamburgers for family get-to-gathers and special events.

Grandpa was my favorite grandparent. He always wanted to know what was going on in my life. He was the most compassionate of all my grandparents. Every time he saw me he wanted to know how I was doing in school. I don’t know how much education he had received growing up, but my education was real important to him. I would show him my report card and he would give me a quarter for every excellent grade I received. I did like a lot getting the money, but that wasn’t my source of motivation. I just liked school and learning.
As I got older and my other cousins started showing up, grandpa Fred and I spent less time together. But those early childhood years with him were very special to me. I’ll always remember him for his love and kindness to me.

Buried:
Grave 6 - Lot 170 - Section 8

Section 8, Lot 170, Grave 1

Fred married Ethel Mayme Miller on 27 May 1916 in Annapolis, Iron County, Missouri, USA. Ethel (daughter of Jay Lafayette Miller and Martha Eveline (Mattie) King) was born on 25 Jan 1890 in Annapolis, Iron County, Missouri, USA; died on 04 Dec 1970 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA; was buried in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• familyserch.org ID: G4VG-89X
• Created: 09 Aug 2018

Notes:

Wimpy's co-owner remembered 'the most positive person'
Thursday, April 19, 2007
By Tim Krakowiak ~ Southeast Missourian
One of the owners of a Cape Girardeau fixture has died, but many remember the legacy he helped create.
Frank Lewis, who died Thursday at age 90, worked with his brothers for nearly 30 years at Wimpy's Drive-In, their restaurant/grocery store at 800 N. Kingshighway.
"My father was the most positive person you wanted to meet," said Lynette Williamson, one of Lewis' three children, who lives in St. Louis. "Everyone wanted to stay in touch with him. From the president at SEMO, to the person who would cut his grass, theyall knew him by his first name. They'd come in [the restaurant] and say, 'Where's Frank?'"
Wimpy's was the place to be in the 1950s and 1960s, according to Lewis' brother, Freeman, of Cape Girardeau. Freeman Lewis said people would drive to Wimpy's on a Saturday night, then down Broadway, then back to Wimpy's. He said his brother always liked to speak with all the customers.

Wimpy's co-owner Frank Lewis dies Thursday at age 90
Friday, April 20, 2007
By Tim Krakowiak ~ Southeast Missourian
One of the owners of a Cape Girardeau fixture has died, but many remember the legacy he helped create.
Frank Lewis, who died Thursday at age 90, worked with his brothers for nearly 30 years at Wimpy's Drive-In, their restaurant/grocery store at 800 N. Kingshighway.
"My father was the most postive person you wanted to meet," said Lynette Williamson, one of Lewis' three children, who lives in St. Louis. "Everyone wanted to stay in touch with him. From the president at SEMO, to the person who would cut his grass, they all knew him by his first name."
Wimpy's was the place to be in the 1950s and 1960s, according to Lewis' brother, Freeman, of Cape Girardeau. Freeman Lewis said people would drive to Wimpy's on a Saturday night, then down Broadway, then back to Wimpy's. He said his brother always liked to speak with all the customers.
Cape Girardeau was growing and the Lewises decided to sell the land of the family business when a bank was interested in buying the property in 1973. Bill Lewis moved Wimpy's to South Kingshighway, where the business switched to serving breakfast and lunch only, until he closed the doors for good in 1997.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Frank Lewis started working at Wimpy's in 1947, five years after it opened.
Lewis had other hobbies, including square dancing with his wife, Irene, and fishing at "secret ponds" throughout Cape Girardeau County.
The funeral for Frank Lewis will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel. Friends may call the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Frank Lewis
Friday, April 20, 2007
seMissourian.com
Frank Miller Lewis, 90, of Cape Girardeau died April 19, 2007, at Missouri Veterans Home.
He was born in Des Arc, Mo., March 11, 1917, son of Fred and Ethel Miller Lewis.
Frank graduated from high school in Annapolis, Mo. In 1942 he graduated from the U.S. Naval Great Lakes Training Center. From there the Navy sent him to Washington, D.C., where he met his bride to be, Irene Wesa. They were married Feb. 1, 1944, in Ventura, Calif. Frank departed California Dec. 24, 1944, to serve on the island of Tinian in Micronesia.
After the war ended Frank and Irene lived for a while in Conneaut, Ohio, where their first daughter was born. In 1948 the family moved to Cape Girardeau to join the family business, Wimpy's, located at 800 North Kingshighway.
While working at Wimpy's Frank attended Southeast Missouri State University. Through the years this local businessman was president of the local Optimist Club, member of the American Legion, member of the Missouri Restaurant Association, and deacon and elder for many terms at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
He also found time to coach Little League and church basketball teams. His hobbies included square dancing, fishing and gardening.
Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Lynette Williamson of St. Louis, Kathleen Fishel of Gainesville, Fla.; a son, Duane Lewis of Southaven, Miss.; four grandchildren, Bryant Williamson of St. Louis, Alayna Nordstrom of West Kilbride, Scotland, Jenny Lane and Derrick Wesa Lewis of Southaven; three great-grandsons, Andrew and Cooper Lewis of Southaven, and Eric Nordstrom of West Kilbride. He is also survived by a brother Freeman Lewis of Cape Girardeau, and a sister, Frieda Howard of Cape Girardeau.
He was preceded by brothers, Francis and Bill Lewis, and a sister, Leta Bahn.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Grant Gillard officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park with military rites provided by Missouri Honors Team.
Memorial contributions may be given to Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Because of family allergies, the family requests no flowers be sent to the service.


Written in 2001:

To the best of Frank's memory, this is what he remembers about farm life
before and during the depression. Since he wrote it down, I think it is
too interesting not to send it out, even if it is too late for Erika.
Frank grew up on a farm that his father bought from one of his brothers
in 1922. The house was a large white house with 4 bedrooms upstairs,
with a balcony, which was located on top of the front porch. They had a
large barn and 5 other out buildings. Frank was 5 years old at that
time. The farm was 180 acres that was homesteaded, he thinks, by his
dad's father. His father bought a team of mules and a new wagon that was
built by his brother-in-law at a blacksmith shop in DesArc. They raised
their own corn and plenty of vegetables from the garden. They had peach,
plum, and apple trees. Picked wild black-berries and dew berries. His
dad purchased some white-faced heirford cattle to start a herd . They
farmed about 80 acres and 40 acres was in hay crops and the balance was
in timber. They raised wheat for flour and they also planted white corn
that had their cornmeal ground out of it. They raised sorghum cane and
made their own sorghum mollasses and sold some of it for a dollar a
gallon. They also tapped maple trees and made maple syrup, which they
sold.
All the farm land was fenced so all the hogs, cattle, sheep were out on
the range in the summer time. They did not keep these animals in the
fenced area in the summer time. The hogs stayed out all winter and got
hat in the fall on oat acorns. They also had about 50 white goats.
They lived in the hills the year around and in the summer, they would
come home for salt and dad would catch a young billy goat whichthey would
eat for their meat, which most people called it mutton. It really tasted
good after eating ham, bacon, and fresh pork all winter.
In 1928 , Dad bought a Model T Ford, and they did not have to travel to
church and into town in a wagon.
They hauled some logs to town for some cash money to buy groceries.
They always milked 15 to 30 cows, which were in the hills in the
summertime and wouldcome home in the evening to feed their calves. They
would separate the cream from the milk and store in the spring house, and
ship the cream from Des Arc to St. Louis, and use the money to buy
coffee, sugar, flour and things they needed.
The crash came in 1929 and they had fair crop and could feed the two
teams and the 80 head of cattle but they used all the feed that winter.
The local bank closed. In the spring of 1930, they planted corn and a
garden but it was so dry, nothing came up--no potatoes or vegetables
grew. They did carry water and raised some tomatoes. They had to sell
all the cattle to the government for $10 a head as they could not raise
any hay or other crops because of the weather being so hot and dry.
Life was hard in the winter of 1930 and 1931. Money was really scarce.
Mother did get a job in town distributing government food to people and
taught sewing to women so they could make their own clothes. He thinks
they bought feed in the winter to feed the 4 cows and the team from the
government on credit, which Frank thinlks they had to pay back later.
The team and the cows were turned out in the hills for pasture. They
would hunt up the mules so they could till the farm and plant their
crops. Did have a good crop the fall of 1931.
Not much about the depression but life was pretty bleak at that one
year when we lost the cattle, sheep and most of the hogs as they
didn'thave any feed for them.
Love,
Frank and Irene


Died:
Wimpy's co-owner remembered 'the most positive person'
Thursday, April 19, 2007
By Tim Krakowiak ~ Southeast Missourian

One of the owners of a Cape Girardeau fixture has died, but many remember the legacy he helped create.

Frank Lewis, who died Thursday at age 90, worked with his brothers for nearly 30 years at Wimpy's Drive-In, their restaurant/grocery store at 800 N. Kingshighway.

"My father was the most positive person you wanted to meet," said Lynette Williamson, one of Lewis' three children, who lives in St. Louis. "Everyone wanted to stay in touch with him. From the president at SEMO, to the person who would cut his grass, they all knew him by his first name. They'd come in [the restaurant] and say, 'Where's Frank?'"

Wimpy's was the place to be in the 1950s and 1960s, according to Lewis' brother, Freeman, of Cape Girardeau. Freeman Lewis said people would drive to Wimpy's on a Saturday night, then down Broadway, then back to Wimpy's. He said his brother always liked to speak with all the customers.

Wimpy's co-owner Frank Lewis dies Thursday at age 90
Friday, April 20, 2007
By Tim Krakowiak ~ Southeast Missourian

One of the owners of a Cape Girardeau fixture has died, but many remember the legacy he helped create.
Frank Lewis, who died Thursday at age 90, worked with his brothers for nearly 30 years at Wimpy's Drive-In, their restaurant/grocery store at 800 N. Kingshighway.
"My father was the most postive person you wanted to meet," said Lynette Williamson, one of Lewis' three children, who lives in St. Louis. "Everyone wanted to stay in touch with him. From the president at SEMO, to the person who would cut his grass, they all knew him by his first name."
Wimpy's was the place to be in the 1950s and 1960s, according to Lewis' brother, Freeman, of Cape Girardeau. Freeman Lewis said people would drive to Wimpy's on a Saturday night, then down Broadway, then back to Wimpy's. He said his brother always liked to speak with all the customers.
Cape Girardeau was growing and the Lewises decided to sell the land of the family business when a bank was interested in buying the property in 1973. Bill Lewis moved Wimpy's to South Kingshighway, where the business switched to serving breakfast and lunch only, until he closed the doors for good in 1997.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Frank Lewis started working at Wimpy's in 1947, five years after it opened.
Lewis had other hobbies, including square dancing with his wife, Irene, and fishing at "secret ponds" throughout Cape Girardeau County.
The funeral for Frank Lewis will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel. Friends may call the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Frank Lewis
Friday, April 20, 2007
seMissourian.com

Frank Miller Lewis, 90, of Cape Girardeau died April 19, 2007, at Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born in Des Arc, Mo., March 11, 1917, son of Fred and Ethel Miller Lewis.

Frank graduated from high school in Annapolis, Mo. In 1942 he graduated from the U.S. Naval Great Lakes Training Center. From there the Navy sent him to Washington, D.C., where he met his bride to be, Irene Wesa. They were married Feb. 1, 1944, in Ventura, Calif. Frank departed California Dec. 24, 1944, to serve on the island of Tinian in Micronesia.

After the war ended Frank and Irene lived for a while in Conneaut, Ohio, where their first daughter was born. In 1948 the family moved to Cape Girardeau to join the family business, Wimpy's, located at 800 North Kingshighway.
While working at Wimpy's Frank attended Southeast Missouri State University. Through the years this local businessman was president of the local Optimist Club, member of the American Legion, member of the Missouri Restaurant Association, and deacon and elder for many terms at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

He also found time to coach Little League and church basketball teams. His hobbies included square dancing, fishing and gardening.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Lynette Williamson of St. Louis, Kathleen Fishel of Gainesville, Fla.; a son, Duane Lewis of Southaven, Miss.; four grandchildren, Bryant Williamson of St. Louis, Alayna Nordstrom of West Kilbride, Scotland, Jenny Lane and Derrick Wesa Lewis of Southaven; three great-grandsons, Andrew and Cooper Lewis of Southaven, and Eric Nordstrom of West Kilbride. He is also survived by a brother Freeman Lewis of Cape Girardeau, and a sister, Frieda Howard of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded by brothers, Francis and Bill Lewis, and a sister, Leta Bahn.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Grant Gillard officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park with military rites provided by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Because of family allergies, the family requests no flowers be sent to the service.

Missouri Veterans Home

Buried:
Plot 4-1-10

Memorial Park Cemetery

Frank married Helen Irene Wesa on 01 Feb 1944 in Ventura, Ventura County, California, United States. Helen (daughter of William Gustaf Wesa and Hilma Hiltunen) was born on 04 Oct 1921 in Menahga, Wadena County, Minnesota, USA; died on 19 Mar 2010 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA; was buried on 22 Mar 2010 in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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• familyserch.org ID: 9NPT-XV2
• Created: 09 Aug 2018

Notes:

World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946

U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 No Image
Text-only collection
Add alternate information
Report issue
Name: Francis F Lewis
Birth Year: 1919
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: Missouri
State of Residence: Missouri
County or City: Cape Girardeau

Enlistment Date: 23 Dec 1940
Enlistment State: Missouri
Enlistment City: Cape Girardeau
Branch: Infantry
Branch Code: Infantry
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Component: National Guard (Officers, Warrant Officers, and Enlisted Men)
Source: National Guard

Education: 1 year of college
Civil Occupation: Teachers (secondary school) and principals
Marital status: Single, without dependents
Height: 69
Weight: 133

Died:
June 2, 1988 Francis F. Lewis

CAPE GIRARDEAU — Funeral service for Francis F. Lewis, 1212 Sailer Circle, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Charles Grant will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park. Graveside rites will be by Louis K. Juden American Legion Post.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. Friday. Lewis, 69 years old, died Wednesday, June 1, 1988, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born Oct. 31, 1918, at Des Arc, son of Fred and Ethel Miller Lewis. He and the former Melva Rose Schrader were married Oct. 21, 1950, in Cape.

Lewis attended SEMO University three years before being mobilized with the National Guard in 1940. He served in the U.S. Air Force in World War II, flying transport planes from India to China. He received the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and China War Memorial Medal.

He was discharged in 1946, but remained active in the Air Force Reserve until 1968.

Lewis began his career as a stockbroker in 1949. He was branch manager of Reinhold Gardner from 1958 until becoming manager of Shearson/American Express in January 1979, and was co-manager of A.G. Edwards from 1986 until retiring in March of this year.

Lewis helped organize the Greater Cape Girardeau Development Corp., and had served as vice president and director.

He had also been active in Jaycees, Boy Scouts, United Way, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Rotary Club. He was a former commander of Louis K. Juden American Legion Post, and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club.

Lewis was a member of United Way Board of Directors 18 years. He served in various leadership capacities of the Boy Scouts, including district leadership training chairman and Shawnee District chairman. He served on the Board of Directors of Region 8 of Boy Scouts of America.

He was a member of Tower Club, past president of Kimbeland Country Club, past board member of Cape Country Club, member of SEMO Seniors Golf Association, and Hump Pilots Association.

Lewis received the Golden Deeds Award in 1984. He served on Southeast Hospital Board of Trustees 13 years, and was president of the board from 1969-71. He was chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee and Cancer Treatment Center Committee.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, served as a deacon and elder, and in other leadership positions.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Benjamin Lewis of Cape; two daughters, Mrs. Carole Iles of Columbia, Mrs. Mary Frances Young of Oakland, Calif.; three brothers, Frank, Freeman and Bill Lewis, all of Cape; two sisters, Mrs. Frieda Howard and Mrs. Leta Bahn of Cape, and a granddaughter, Hannah Lewis of Cape.


Buried:
Plot 4-14-1

Francis married Melva Rose Schrader on 21 Oct 1950 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA. Melva (daughter of Benjamin Robert Schrader and Selma Sophia Augusta Meyer) was born on 20 Jul 1923 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA; died on 30 Apr 2002 in Prague, , , Czech Republic; was buried in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• familyserch.org ID: LB68-FMG
• Created: 09 Aug 2018

Notes:

Died:
Frieda Abigail Howard, 95, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, April 15, 2016, at the Lutheran Home.

She was born Dec. 29, 1920, in Des Arc, Missouri, to the late Fred and Ethel Lewis.

She was a 1939 graduate of Des Arc High School attended Southeast Missouri State University.
She and Truman John Howard were married April 14, 1943, at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau. He preceded her in death July 30, 1987.
Frieda taught school in Des Arc until her marriage. During World War II, she worked as "Rosie the riveter" at the Consolidated Aircraft Plant in San Diego. She and her husband owned and operated the Donut Drive In at 1617 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau for 28 years.
She was a 62-year member of Centenary United Methodist Church, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and past president of the 14th District. In 2011, she was recognized for her many years of volunteer work at the Missouri Veterans Home and was named volunteer of the year in 1998.
Frieda was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an avid Cardinal baseball fan and enjoyed Redhawk basketball as a season ticketholder. She enjoyed quilting, cross-stitching, working word puzzles and reading. She was famous for her chicken and dumplings. She will be remembered for speaking her mind and for being gracious and kind to everyone she met.

Survivors include a son, Richard Lewis (DeAnne) Howard of Derby, Kansas; a daughter, Barbara Gail (Norris) Johnson of Cape Girardeau; four 'grandsons, Timothy (Colleen) Howard of Philadelphia, Keith (Sara) Johnson of Leesburg, Virginia, and Scott (Claire)Johnson and T o d d (Julie) Howard, both of San Diego; nine great-grandchildren ,Derek, Caroline, Julia and Zachary Johnson of Leesburg, Kayleigh, Ainsley and Rylee Howard of Philadelphia and Owen Johnson and Truman Howard of San Diego; a brother, Freeman (Alice) Lewis, and a sister-in-law, Florence Lewis, both of Cape Girardeau; a brother-in-law, Jerry (the late Shirla) Howard of Dexter, Missouri; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank (Irene), Francis (Melva Rose) and Bill Lewis; a sister, Leta Bahn (Larry); and a sister-in-law, Ferne (Vernon) Volkerding, all of Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, and also one hour prior to the funeral.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Conley officiating.

Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Centenary United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be shared at fordanclsonsfuneralhome.com.


Passed away between 3 and 4 am 15 Apr 2016 at the Lutheran Nursing Home.

Buried:
Plot 6-12-4

Frieda married Truman John Howard on 14 Apr 1943 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA. Truman (son of John Thomas Howard and Julia Clingingsmith) was born on 21 Jul 1917 in Oak Ridge, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, United States; died on 30 Jul 1987 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA; was buried on 02 Aug 1987 in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• familyserch.org ID: G4VG-XDL
• Created: 09 Aug 2018

Notes:

April 10, 1957
Acquisition of a site for the new St. Andrew Lutheran Church is announced by Luther Hahs, temporary chairman of the congregation; the four-acre tract secured fronts 416 feet on Kingsway and is just north of the Alvarado; the lot was acquired from Freeman Lewis and T.R. Regenhardt.
-Southeast Missourian Newspaper mm non no mmm mom mom know no n m bm

U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947

Name: Freeman Dale Lewis
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 19
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: 20 Jan 1923
Birth Place: Iron, Missouri, USA
Residence Place: Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
Registration Date: 29 Jun 1942
Employer: Self Employed
Weight: 140
Complexion: Light
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 5 11
Next of Kin: Fred Lewis
Household Members:
Name Relationship
Freeman Dale Lewis Self (Head)

WWII Enlistment Record:

Full Name: Freeman D Lewis
Army Serial Number: 37410184
Enlistment Place: Jefferson Barracks Missouri
Enlistment Date: 12 Jan 1943
Army Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Service Branch: Army
Race or Ethnicity: White
Residence: CapeGirardeau County, Missouri
Enlistment Term: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Source of Army Personnel:
Civil Life
Army Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Level of Education: 1 year of college
Marital Status: Single, without dependents
Birth Date: 1923
Birth Place: Missouri
Source Box Number: 1211
Source Film Reel Number: 4.121
Conflict Period: World War II
Served for: United States of America

Buried:
Grave 3 - Lot 170 - Section 8

Section 8, Lot 170, Grave 6

Freeman married Alice Alline Regenhardt on 25 Sep 1948 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA. Alice (daughter of Theodore Roosevelt Regenhardt and Lois Alline McNeely) was born on 24 Mar 1925 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA; died on 02 May 2017 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA; was buried on 06 May 2017 in Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• familyserch.org ID: KN4F-SJC
• Created: 09 Aug 2018

Notes:

Leta Bahn
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Marthal Leta Lewis Bahn died peacefully Monday, March 5, 2007, at Chateau Girardeau.
Born Jan. 2, 1925, in Des Arc, Mo., Leta was the fifth of six children born into the loving family of Fred and Ethel Lewis. Her siblings include Frank, Francis, Frieda, Freeman and Bill.
Leta and her extended family had lunch together every Saturday at Wimpy's Restaurant, which was owned by her brother, Bill, until it closed in 1997.
Leta attended Roberts Elementary School near Des Arc, until moving with her family to Cape Girardeau in 1938 and living in a house at 321 North North Henderson. She graduated from Central High School with the class of 1943. She also graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1947 with a B.S. degree in home economics. While at SEMO Leta became a member of Clio and was a cheerleader for the Indians.
Leta and Emil Lawrence "Larry" Bahn were married June 18, 1949, at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau. Their first date was spent canoeing through Larry's father's store, the Bahn Brothers Hardware Store on Main Street, during the flood of 1943. Her diary read, "That Bahn boy can call again!"
After graduation, Leta was first employed by Union Electric as a home economist, touting clean electric clothes dryers, and then as a district home economist for Frigidaire. She later taught home economics at Belleville High School while Larry finished his Ph.D. at Washington University.
Pioneering the roles of women in Cape Girardeau, Leta was elected as one of the first women elders in the Presbyterian Church. She went on to be moderator of the Southeast Missouri Presbytery and then moderator of the Eliza Parish Lovejoy New Reunited Church Presbytery.
She was a delegate to the 199th Presbyterian General Assembly in Biloxi, Miss., in 1987, a position her father also held 30 years before. One of her real joys was serving for eight years on the board of Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, N.C. In 1987Southeast Missouri State University awarded her with the "Outstanding Alumna" award from the Home Economics Department.
Leta's crowning achievement was taking Chateau Girardeau from being head of the Feasibility Study to chairman of the board of the Building Committee, completing the $6 million project months ahead of schedule and more than $100,000 under budget. It shouldbe noted that she demanded that this project use local architects and contractors instead of bringing them in from out of town. She continued as an active board member after the opening of this fine residential retirement facility.
She was also instrumental in establishing the Pensel Azalea Garden at Chateau.
After Larry died, she became an active manager of the family farm, learning about growing rice while encouraging others to eat more rice. Leta also served as a member of the chamber Agriculture Committee.
A loving mother and grandmother, she delighted in her three grandchildren and in taking them on nature walks on the family farm, Taylor Oaks. She would teach them about different birds, their calls and the various flora and fauna living there. Leta took great pleasure in watching her grandchildren participate in their various recitals and sports activities.
An avid tennis player, she and Larry built a tennis court for their 25th wedding anniversary. She remained an active player into her 70s and was always a force to be reckoned with at the net.
Leta was a wonderful cook and a gracious hostess to her many friends over the years. Leta loved gardening and spent many wonderful hours planting trees, azaleas and other flowering plants at her family home located north of town.
She loved life and took several trips to visit her son, William, in different far flung stations around the world. Her trips included exploring the Alaskan frontier, watching her son play polo in Manila, experiencing Japanese life, trekking into the mountains of Thailand on foot and elephant well into her 60s, and even braving the war-torn and heavily mined country of Cambodia to see the magnificent temples Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. The last with great trepidation and lots of encouragement from her son stationed there with the U.N.
Leta is survived by two sons and their families of Cape Girardeau: Dr. Lawrence Taylor Bahn and wife Nancy Jo, and their three children, Caitlin Rebecca, Jackson Taylor and Carsen Eileen; and retired Air Force Maj. William Lewis Bahn and wife Dr. Janna Tuck. Also surviving are two brothers, Frank Lewis and wife Irene, and Freeman Lewis and wife Alice; a sister, Frieda Howard; and sister-in-law, Florence Lewis, all of Cape Girardeau; many nieces and nephews and their families. Many dear friends also survive her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, who died March 5, 1980; her parents; and two brothers, Francis and Bill Lewis.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Paul Kabo officiating. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery.
We are thankful for her life, her Christian example, the loving kindness she showed to others and her generosity of spirit.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau.

Leta’s Eulogy
by her son William Bahn

Here I am Lord, what a description of Leta’s life. Full of joy, always there for family friends church and community. Truly an inspiration and role model for others.

She started life on a small farm in Iron county that grew mostly rocks.
I have heard the stories of using the spring as their refrigerator, bartering with farm products and trees because they did not have cash money. Riding to school on the old plow horse with Freeman and Bill and then turning the horse loose to find its wayhome. The family finally had to move to Cape in 1938 when Grampa’s health started to fail and he could not work the farm. Imagine coming to the big city with almost nothing and starting up a boarding house to make a living. Surely Leta got some of herorganizational skills and positive attitude to take on tough projects from her mother. Grandma Lewis’s vision to see what could be accomplished against overwhelming odds had to set the stage for Leta’s later accomplishments.

Newlyweds Judy and Art Jackson started housekeeping in that boarding house on N Henderson.

With the outbreak of World War II, her three older brothers joined the service. Frank to the navy shipping out to Tinian by Guam where they launched the Enola Gay, Francis to become an Army air corps pilot flying fuel over the Hump in the China Burma theater. He piloted a C-109, the tanker conversion of a B24. Freeman was a corporal in the signal corps on Guam. (He was on duty when they dropped the bomb on Hiroshima). Her sister Frieda married Truman Howard a marine who served in the pacific. (He claimed that as paymaster they protected him but that’s not how I remember the marines working.) Grandma and Grampa Lewis took over Wimpy’s restaurant from Freeman and Leta and Bill help run it after school and holidays. A Cape Girardeau Institution on the corner of Kingshighway and Cape Rock for years and know for its great “wimpy burgers” until it closed. Her brother Bill reopened on South Kingshighway and continued the tradition until 1997.

About my dad,
The story goes that Leta first went out with the very dapper Lawrence Bahn during the flood of 43 when he took her canoeing though the then flooded Bahn Brothers’ Hardware store. Her diary states that she went out with him again in March of 44 and that quote, that Lawrence can call again! She did not have quite as good of things to say about numerous other acquaintances. Her last entry in that short diary was of meeting up with friends including Larry for some swimming and dancing, somehow ending up bythe end of the night with two black eyes and stating in her diary that she thought it was over with Bahn. Luckily for me this was not the case as they got together a few years later, while she was working in St Louis for Frigidaire, getting married June18, 1949.


Before I was born she and my dad used to take the nieces and nephew out to the cabin at Taylor Oaks while my dad was building our house. They would roast hot dogs over a campfire and stay in the cabin with no running water. My early recollections were that we always had activities to do. I don’t think Winnie the poo’s house at two corners had anything on us. Stories were told that we would occasionally get away in the 20 acre wood and our dog tiger would find us and brings us back. On the rare occasion when Leta would get upset with her angelic children, Tiger was reputed to stand between us keeping her away, what a dog!

She always took and active role in our lives. When we moved to Bellville IL while father completed his PHD at Wash U, She found time to be President of the PTA and be a cub scout den mother all while teaching full time to help make ends meet. I still remember her making 20’ high banners of the Three Wise Man for the School Christmas program.

Leta loved to entertain, Carol Koepple once remarked that one day she had a luncheon party, went out and played three sets of tennis only to return and have a dinner party for 30. Now that’s some organization! She and my dad loved to play tennis and built themselves a tennis court for their 25th wedding anniversary. Intimidating at the net she was a force to be reckoned with into her seventies.

She set new standards for the role of women. She an Dorothy Penzel were the first two women elected to the board of Elders in this Presbyterian church. Leta went on to expand her role in the church becoming Moderator of the Southeast Missouri Presbyteryand then went on to be Moderator of the Newly formed Eliza Lovejoy Parish New Reunited Church Presbytery. She was a delegate to the 199th Presbyterian General Assembly in Biloxi MS in 1987. Later I remember her showing me an old panoramic black and white photo of her dad as a general assembly delegate over 30 years before.

She continued to step up to the plate working on the Agriculture Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, the fair board, Southeast Hospital Board of Directors, but her crowning achievement was taking Chateau Girardeau from the infancy of its Feasibility study to Chairmen of the Building Committee completing the six million dollar project months ahead of schedule and over $100,000 under budget. When Presbyterian housing our project consultants wanted to bring in big city architects and contractors she was adamant that we would use are local resources. She had such a rapport with the building trades that when the heavy equipment operators union went out on strike, the lone union man from that organization came to her and explained that he had to strike but he would picket at the side gate so as not to interrupt the construction. You won’t see that consideration very often.

The Chateau was the first of its kind in this community and has been a blessing to the residents and family that have used it. Col. Don Regenhart USAF was concerned about his mother moving into the facility so he called his sister Alice Lewis to ask her about this Chateau Girardeau Retirement community. She told him that it was build by her sister in law Leta Bahn and the discussion ended there. I have nothing but good things to say about the Chateau and the care that my mother received there.

A reluctant farmer after fathers death, she came to relish the term Lady Farmer. Taking an active role in the management of the farm she embarked on an improvement plan of leveling the fields in her Puxico farm bottoms so she could add rice to the plant rotation. The fact that this might have the side effect of improving the duck hunting had absolutely no influence on her sons complete approval of this project. When she visited me in foreign countries she would look at the local rice production and even visited the International Rice Institute in the Philippines. She would also send out rice gift packs at Christmas to encourage friends to eat more rice.

She loved her grandchildren. Babysitting them, taking them on nature walks especially down to the creek looking for crawfish and tadpoles. She showed them the flowers and trees along with recognizing different bird songs. In the kitchen the grandkids were often found covered with flower licking off the beaters and spatula after making a cake or cookies just like their father and uncle did years before. A competitive athlete herself, she loved going to all, their soccer, T-Ball, tennis and other sportsto cheer them on. Even after a lot of her memory was gone Nancy thought she got a smile when relating how Carsen had won a tennis match against one of her friend’s granddaughters.

I got her to travel around the world to visit me in many different Duty Stations. Alaska, the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, and even Valdosta GA. I think she liked the Philippines the best. Going to watch me to play polo at the Manila Polo club was fun, but the best was getting her a tennis pro to play with along with a couple of ball boys so they did not have to chase their missed shots. I think she thought she was at Wimbledon. Luckily she never figured out that the noise she heard at night in the compound was not the guards setting off firecrackers. It was with great trepidation and much encouragement from me that I got her to visit while I was on loan to the United Nations in Cambodia. We started out in Thailand with a trek into the hill country north of Chang Mai. The first day was a three and a half hour hike up to a hill tribe village to stay in bamboo huts. She started out saying she was tired after the first steep climb, but then noticed the beautiful Orchids in the trees

The stories of her life are many and can’t all be relayed here. I know we each have our own favorite. So as we celebrate her life and the outstanding role model she was, I hope you will remember all of those good times. And that when the time comes whenwe are faced with that sometimes unwanted opportunity, I hope we can follow her example and say---

Here I am lord, take me.


Tribute to Martha Leta Lewis Bahn, by her niece, Lynn Lewis Williamson

Aunt Leta always created FUN activities for us nieces and nephews. My earliest memories are of staying in the cabin at Taylor Oaks while Uncle Larry was building the brick house. He cleared some brush, and built a big fire. We kids roasted hot dogs on saplings or very long skinny trees. Richard, Barbara, and I later got to spend the night in the brick house. We stamped egg cartons: Extra Large, Large, Medium, and Small. I couldn’t count past 10, but Richard could count to 100. We had to get the right count for each specific size of egg.
Twice I went down stairs as a child and found live animals in the basement. Once at Grandma Lewis’ house there were two turkeys alive in the basement with Uncle Larry. Aunt Leta held my hand on the stairs. I stopped half way, and would not go down any further because the turkeys were the same size as me. At Taylor Oaks one time, there were hundreds of baby chicks in the basement. I was a little braver with baby chicks.
When I was very young Aunt Leta took me to Academic Hall at SEMO to see the drama “The Little Match Girl.” Often she took me to SEMO concerts to hear Uncle Larry play his cello. Later when I was at SEMO myself she found me in the audience at The New Christy Minstrels Concert, and came over to say “Hello” to my friends and me.
When I was in Junior High, Barbara, Kathy, and I went ALONE by bus to Belleville to spend a week with the Bahns. Aunt Leta took us to Forest Park for a picnic, to the Jewel Box, to Grant’s Farm, and to the Municipal Opera. We went to the Muny Opera by
Bus. Aunt Leta could open a few cans and prepare an elegant meal. That week Barbara and I learned that chicken is done on the grill when the juice comes out clear.
Aunt Leta was the Perle Mesta of Cape Girardeau. She loved entertaining and hosting parties. She told me once, “Sometimes I set the table two weeks before the party.” I watched her and learned, and later thanks to Aunt Leta, I hosted my own big parties. However, mine were usually buffet style, not sit down dinners. As her niece, I served at a few dinner parties and helped wash dishes too.
In 1967 I was privileged to travel in Europe with the Bahn family for 6 weeks. We camped in Paris, and stayed in bed and breakfast houses in London and Edinburgh. In London we ate at Wimpy’s because of her brothers: Frank, Freeman, and Bill. We also went to the London Stock Exchange to make Uncle Francis pleased. We hiked in Scotland, and one woman told us excitedly, “I have never seen a Mother and daughter look so much alike!” Aunt Leta and I were both speechless, and did not tell the Scottish woman that we were aunt and niece; we did not want to embarrass the woman!
When I moved to St. Louis in 1968, Aunt Leta collected and gave me all sorts of things she knew I needed for my own apartment: dishes, blankets, an iron, and ironing board, and a cookbook. For our wedding December 19, 1970, she organized and carried out the reception in the basement of First Presbyterian Church, and she and Uncle Larry put together all the wreaths and Christmas decorations in the church. Uncle Larry and I took down all this greenery on Christmas Day; he climbed up a tall ladder.
She contributed a large amount of time to First Presbyterian Church and Châteaux. She was the first woman to give a sermon or speech at the annual Presbytery meeting. She then gave the same sermon on Sunday morning at First Church; I think she was the first woman ever in the pulpit on Sunday morning for a sermon. She broke ground in many ways. She was also the first woman to dive into Capaha Park’s new swimming pool. The photographer, Fronabarger, asked the three divers to dive again so he could get a better picture. They obliged, and their diving photos were in the Missourian the next day. Aunt Leta did a lovely swan dive.
Aunt Leta was an excellent role model for me, and had a great impact on my life.
I have greatly missed her wisdom these past 7 years. She can be very proud of her sons, and their wives, Taylor and Nancy, William and Janna, and her beloved grandchildren, Katelin, Jackson, and Carson. Her last request of me was at Phoenicia Restaurant in 2001 “I can’t remember those stories any more of what we did together; please tell them to my grandchildren for me.” Above you have read a few of those stories.

Died:
Chateau Girardeau

Martha married Emil Lawrence Bahn, Jr. on 18 Jun 1949 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA. Emil (son of Emil Lawrence Bahn, Sr. and Viola Taylor) was born on 06 Sep 1924 in Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA; died on 03 Mar 1980 in Taylor Oaks, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, USA; was buried in New Lorimier Cemetery, Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• familyserch.org ID: G4VG-RQR
• Created: 09 Aug 2018

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.

Died:
BILLIE LEWIS
Thursday, April 14, 2005

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.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, with the Revs. Paul Kabo and Derek Swanson officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.


Buried:
Grave- LAT 37.319626 LONG -89.538758

Billie married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Other Events and Attributes:

• familyserch.org ID: GP3X-L66
• Created: 09 Aug 2018

Notes:

Died:
Dr. Lawrence Taylor Bahn, 69, passed away peacefully at his home, Taylor Oaks, in Cape Girardeau Monday, May 17, 2021.
He was born Sept. 18, 1951, in Cape Girardeau and attended the Campus School, graduating from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1969. A talented cello player, Taylor played with the community orchestra while still in high school. Taylor was an Eagle Scout with Troop 3 and a member of Order of the Arrow.

He graduated from Southeast Missouri State College with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. Dr. Bill Kane is quoted as saying that Taylor Bahn was the smartest guy in McGill Hall. He continued his education with a master's degree in biochemistry from the University of Memphis and attained his doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School. Dr. Bahn went on to complete a residency in periodontics at the Louisiana State University-New Orleans. There were a few jokes at this point about Taylor being a professional student.
He practiced periodontics in Cape Girardeau for 33 years, while being the only periodontist between St. Louis and Memphis for most of that time.

While in Memphis, Taylor began playing rugby at the center and winger positions with the Old No. 7 Rugby Club and also played on the Kansas City Rugby Club, where he made and maintained many lasting friendships. Two of his friends and their families later formed the 'Alpha Dog' Ski Team with Taylor and his crew.
Taylor married Nancy Jo Wilson of Harviell, Missouri, in 1982 and began practicing periodontics in 1984. He was raised as a Presbyterian, but became a member of La Croix United Methodist Church and enjoyed Bible Study with friends at Centenary UMC.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather to his family, and a good friend to many others. Taylor was a gentle spirit, a kind man with a congenial personality while possessing good humor and a dry wit. He was a good cook and perfected his world famous seafood gumbo recipe. Taylor enjoyed duck hunting and training the family's retrievers, Buck and Suzy; he also liked canoeing, camping, taking care of the family farm, and other outdoor activities.

Taylor was an avid sports enthusiast for all sports on the television and in person. He served as Scout Leader for son Jackson's Troop 5 Boy Scout Patrol. He also enjoyed dance recitals, swim meets and all his children's high school activities, among them being Carsen's tennis team matches. Taylor was active with coaching all three children's recreational soccer teams, and Caitlin's traveling U-15 Girls' Sabres Soccer Team to a first place finish in the Missouri Kellogg Bowl.

Taylor was a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, attaining his Diplomat Status; the Missouri Dental Association; the Southeast Dental Society, serving as president, and the local Implant Study Club. He judged the Regional High School Science Fair annually and was pleased to give the Bahn Award to many outstanding science fair winners.

Taylor is survived by his wife, Nancy Bahn, and their children, Caitlin Rebecca Bahn (Kirtley) Weitzel of Belle Isle, Florida; Jackson Taylor (Samantha) Bahn of Salida, Colorado, and Dr. Agnes Carsen Eileen Bahn of Cheyenne, Wyoming; two grandchildren, Beya Lane and Raphael Grimm Bahn; a brother, William (Janna) Bahn of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and numerous cousins, other relatives and friends from near and far.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. E. Lawrence and Leta Lewis Bahn, and The family wishes to thank all friends and family who have been praying for Taylor and offering words of support, which has made this trial lighter. Taylor maintained his good humor to the end and was without complaint. Taylor is in heaven laughing with his parents and good friends, Drs. David Crowe and Robert Leyen. He will be missed.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis in Cape Girardeau.
Funeral service will follow at noon Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Tailor Institute for Autism or to a charity of choice.


At home - Taylor Oaks.

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