Those who love Father God will tell you that his holy word is always true, and it will not return void. Psalm 91:16 says that “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” And, Father God did just that. He certainly blessed this man, his very own son, super-abundantly according to his riches in glory.
Charles celebrated his 91st birthday with his many loved ones by his side while being lavished with so much love that the peace that passes all understanding quietly filled his room. The sweetest stories of unconditional love and unforgettable memories echoed throughout the room as he waited patiently for the Lord to call him to his forever home for all eternity. Friday, November 17th, the Lord dispatched his heavenly angels to escort Charles Albert Lewis to his celestial home, and he finally heard Father God call his name. He is standing in the presence of the Lord God Almighty! What a day of rejoicing that must have been!
Charles Lewis was born in Gore, Oklahoma to Anna Lee Foster Lewis and Jake William Lewis on November 14, 1926. Life was so much simpler in the good ol’ days when his family moved to West Columbia in 1938 in search of a brighter future. Charles spent endless hours as a young boy working hard for his grandparents on their farm in Wharton, Texas. His strong work ethic, tenacity and responsibility were nurtured as he learned valuable life lessons beginning at the early age ten. He was a master at teaching others how to give an honest day’s work, and throughout his life he mentored numerous individuals. . .teaching them professional trades, skills and traits that would help them be productive and successful in their own lives.
Charles and his family resided near Highway 36 and Seventeenth Street in West Columbia where he met the love of his life. . .Ozie Lee Ellis. They were united in holy matrimony on April 18, 1945 and were married until Ozie passed away on November 20, 2015. Their seventy-year marriage truly stood the test of time.
Enlisting in the military on February 21, 1945, Charles served in the Navy Seabees during World War II, and he participated in the American Area Campaign in the Asiatic-Pacific area with two months of sea duty. On May 29, 1946 he received an honorable discharge at Camp Wallace, Texas.
After World War II, the couple welcomed their only child, Rita Ann Lewis Lacina, into their home on February 27, 1947, where they lived and prospered in Lake Jackson, Texas. Ozie pampered her beloved husband with a happy and content heart. The very second that someone opened the back door of their home, the sweetest aromas of homemade cinnamon rolls, butter-dipped monkey bread, apricot nectar cake, heavenly hash delights and scrumptious downhome cooking with all the fixings greeted each family member and many cherished friends who entered their Christian home.
Her forever sweetheart was treated like royalty! Milk gravy and hot buttered biscuits, German chocolate cakes, thick T-bone steaks, fried potatoes and veggies from their own garden were always lovingly prepared for her husband. Beautiful memories and cherished moments to surely treasure for a lifetime were woven ever-so-gently across decades of time.
If it was Saturday night in the 50s and 60s, then it was time for a great western ~ “Gunsmoke”, “How the West Was Won”, “The Wild, Wild West” and many others. Charles loved western movies his entire life and could watch them endlessly. . .every single day according to his daughter!
When one thinks of Charles Lewis, a few visual images pop up. . .welding rigs, immaculately clean cars, a well-manicured lawn, new trucks, fast bass boats and sleek campers. Cowboy boots, starched long-sleeve shirts and blue jeans, welding caps with fire-resistant tan shirts, and cowboy hats were a few of his favorite things along with fishing, hunting and gardening. Charles had a green thumb when it came to vegetable gardens, flowers and rose bushes, and he wholeheartedly and freely shared his homegrown items with anyone who visited his home.
Needless to say, his legacy of love will continue in his daughter, grandson and great-grandchildren who were taught how to hunt, fish and work. The sweetest of all memories shall be gently etched in their minds and hearts as they lovingly reflect about the man they always called “Papa”.
Charles Lewis worked diligently to provide financially for his family. He was a welder and superintendent for many years, and he belonged to the Pipeliners Local Union 798 since 1949. As his grandson and nephews grew up, he actually taught them how to work out in the pipeline field. . .Charles Wayne, Jackie, Walter, Simon and many others.
Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife (Ozie Ellis Lewis), mother (Anna Lee Foster Lewis), father (Jake William Lewis), brother (Francis Lewis) and two sisters (Betty Lewis Smith, Ruby Lewis Brown).
He is survived by his precious daughter (Rita Lewis Lacina of Lake Jackson), grandson and wife (Charles Wayne Lacina and Fran Skeete Lacina of Angleton), great-grandchildren (Justin Lacina, Kacie Lacina), their mother (Julie Lacina), great-great-grandchildren (Macie Lacina and Payton Lacina), brother and sister-in-law (Robert and Jo Ann Lewis) and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is truly thankful for the quality care provided by the supportive and dedicated staff at Oak Village in Lake Jackson and Heart to Heart Hospice that lovingly cared for Charles during the last hours of his earthly journey. Words do not adequately express their genuine appreciation for their unconditional love and comfort during the recent days as they cared for him.
As we reflect about Charles Lewis and celebrate his amazing life, we will always smile. . .filled with the blessed assurance that he is only one heartbeat away. . .waiting patiently for each of us. And, of one thing we are certain beyond a shadow of a doubt, he has triumphantly entered his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! He is singing, dancing and praising his Lord forevermore!
Visitation will be on Monday, November 20th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Restwood Funeral Home, 1038 West Plantation Drive, Clute, Texas. Bro. Bob Flowers will officiate Charles’ celebration of life at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21st at Restwood Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Walter Ellis, Ronnie Ellis, Lawrence Ellis, David Lewis, Randy Lewis and Justin Lacina.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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