Neil Roy Lewis

Son of James William and Laura Belle (Jaycox) Lewis, Neil Roy Lewis was born January 15, 1952 in St. Louis, Missouri. Neil grew up in House Springs, Missouri where he graduated from Northwest High School. On April 26, 1975, Neil was united in marriage to Norma Jane Tucker in Bourbon, Missouri. They shared 26 years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Rebekah, Heather and Matthew. They had many wonderful memories together. Jane went home to be with Jesus in 2001 and Neil is finally reunited with her in heaven. At the young age of 9, Neil accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized. Since that time, he has followed the Lord. He surrendered to preach the gospel at the age of 21 and was ordained. He has served as senior pastor and assistant pastor for various churches. Neil worked for a time as a piano tuner and teacher. He was a very talented pianist and enjoyed ministering at various nursing homes and churches by preaching and playing. In his spare time, Neil enjoyed being outdoors working in the garden and with his flowers. He liked to work puzzles. Most importantly, he loved studying the Scriptures, making people laugh and he selflessly gave of himself to help others. He treasured those times that he could spend with his family and he was proud of his children and loved them dearly. Neil went home to be with his Lord at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2011, at his home at the age of 59 years, 1 month and 26 days. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Neil leaves to cherish his memory his three children: Rebekah Lewis-Wright (Shawn) of Dixon, Heather Lewis of St. Robert and Matthew Lewis (Megan) of Guam; his parents: Jim and Laura Lewis of House Springs; a sister-in-law: Doris Lewis of House Springs; three grandchildren: Derek Wright (Grace), Jessica and Justin Wright; one great grandson: Jeremiah; two nephews: Jerrod Lewis (Kris) and James Paul Lewis; several other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to his wife Jane, Neil was preceded in death by one brother, Kenny Lewis. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011 in the Maranatha Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Hathaway officiating. Pastor Keith Carnahan read the obituary and recalled his memories of Neil and Neil’s son, Matthew Lewis, gave a beautiful eulogy about his father. Neil’s son-in-law, Shawn Wright sang “Going Home” and read a poem from the family. Pianist Laura Matthews accompanied Matt Matthews and Rachel Bell as they sang “All in All” and as the congregation sang “God Be With You Til We Meet Again”. Serving as escorts were Jerrod Lewis, James Paul Lewis, Rick Sherrell, Glen Tucker, Dwight Bethurem, John Ellis, Jeff Carriger, Lindel Gore and Trent Matthews. A graveside service was held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011 in the Lea’s Cemetery of Leasburg, Missouri with Pastor Keith Carnahan officiating. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Neil Lewis and may be left at the funeral home.

Neil Roy Lewis

January 15, 1952 - March 13, 2011