Joseph Lewis

Joseph Raymore “Joe” Lewis, 71 of Bakersfield, Ca., passed away August 19, 2011 in Bakersfield.

Joe was born November 16, 1939 in Bates County, Mo., son of John Russell and Leta (Walley) Lewis. He grew up in Amsterdam and married Lois Stark on April 6, 1959. While living in Missouri, three children were born to this union.  Joe and Lois left for California in 1962, after which time their fourth child was born.  Joe and Lois owned and operated Joe’s Auto Parts in Oildale, Ca. until Lois’s death in 1998 and Joe’s retirement in 2001.  He found love again with Christy Lynn Jackson for the past 12 years.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, son John Russell “Rusty”; sisters Betty (Sis) Lacy, Peggy Lou Lewis, Jane Dykman; brothers Wilford (Brother) Lewis, and Richard Lewis; and a special uncle, Dowane Walley.

Joe is survived by friend Christy Jackson; one son, Rodney Joe of Bakersfield, Ca.; daughters, Jaleen Annette and husband James Thornton of Hot Springs, Ark., and Robin Lynn and husband Marcus Roy Valdes of Bakersfield, Ca.; daughter-in-law Nancy P. Lewis; brother Tom Lewis and wife Dee of Arroyo Grande, Ca., sisters Alice Pitts of Dalzell, S.C., Missie Good of Amsterdam, Mo., and Deana Kay Vermillion and husband Floyd of Grove, Okla., and special aunt, Wilma Walley of Amsterdam, Mo.  Also surviving are nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren with another on the way.  He is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside memorial services will be at 4:00 PM Saturday, September 10, 2011 in West Point Cemetery, Amsterdam, with Greg Mullinax presiding.  Memorial contributions in memory of Joe are suggested to American Cancer Society, and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Written messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler (660) 679-0009.