Henry Clint Lewis

Henry Clint Lewis passed away the afternoon of April 13, 2020 in his beloved town of Canton, Texas. Henry was born March 7, 1941 to Woodrow and Geraldine McLauchlin Lewis on a farm in Eustace, Texas. He learned the values of hard work and thrift from his parents who had been shaped by the Great Depression. As early as five years old, Henry began entrepreneurial pursuits of baling and hauling hay all over Henderson County and selling watermelons and peaches at the Dallas Farmers Market.

Henry graduated from Eustace High School in 1959 and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from The University of Texas in 1964. After graduation, he married Martha Sloan Lewis of Powell, Texas. Henry was first employed as a chemist for Phillips Petroleum Company in Pasadena, Texas. In 1965, Henry and Martha had the opportunity to assume the debt of the Chevrolet Dealership in Canton, Texas, where Henry became the youngest Chevrolet dealer at the age of 24. Henry had no experience in selling cars or even in owning a business. However, he did have the “want to” and knew that he could do anything if he set his mind to it. Early on in the first years of the dealership, he decided to use the radio to advertise. He is best known for the phrase, “I’ll meet you at 2 in the morning if I know that you are coming.” He truly meant that, and he was called, on several occasions, to open up and sell a car in the middle of the night. Henry never had a salesman; he sold every vehicle himself. He could even figure the car payments in his head. After every deal, Henry would hand the customer a business card and a silver dollar to go get a free tank of gas from the local gas station.

Always wanting to make Canton a better place, Henry made the decision early on to put as much back into the community as he possibly could. He was a lifetime member of the Canton Lions Club and served as president in 1968. In 1972, Henry was elected as mayor of the City of Canton and served in this capacity for seven years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in designing long-range goals, which would benefit the city for decades to come.

Furthermore, during his time as mayor, he expanded the First Monday grounds, owned by the city, from five acres to twenty-five. He continued to promote First Monday through advertising and development of property. Henry first used his property as a parking lot, and then in 1988, added the first covered pavilion to provide “rain or shine” shopping. From its humble beginnings, First Monday grew to become the largest trades day market in Texas. Stimulated by its success, Canton grew, as well.

Henry always had an exceptional interest in the schools of Canton, and in 1974, he was elected to the Canton Independent School District Board of Trustees. During his term on the Canton ISD Board, the new Canton High School building project was planned, designed, financed, and completed. He culminated his tenure on the board by serving two years as president. Not only did he love the CISD, but he loved the game of basketball and would play every Sunday and Wednesday evening after church with the local kids.

Henry was a faithful member of the Canton Church of Christ for over 54 years where he has made lifelong friends. He was known to ring the bell to signal the end of Wednesday night Bible class.

Henry loved people. He loved helping people and giving advice when asked. He was also known for his generosity. Henry often preferred to make anonymous donations, never wanting the recognition or the publicity that a public donation would receive.

Henry was a proud “Papa” to his seven grandchildren, Mary Catherine Wallace, William Henry Wallace, Sarabeth Jane Wallace, Sloan Bryan Irwin, Lewis Paul Irwin, Marilee Lewis and Burke Warren Lewis II. He authored “Savvy Papa’s Sketches” as a dedication to his grandchildren. In this book, he wrote advice that he hoped would make a difference in their lives. It indeed has made a difference to them, as well as to many others.

Henry is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Geraldine Lewis, his dear brother, Macky Lewis, and his beloved son, Burke Warren Lewis. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha Sloan Lewis, daughter, Martha Jane Lewis Wallace and husband, Michael Wallace of Tyler, daughter, Catherine Lewis Irwin and husband, Bryan Irwin of Canton, and daughter-in-law, Lee Lewis of Canton. He is also survived by his siblings, Janelle Seabourne and husband Charles Seabourne of Eustace, Darrell Lewis and wife Karen Lewis of McKinney, Harold Lewis of Dallas, Judy Groom and husband Dale Groom of Eustace, Donald Gene Lewis of Athens, and sister-in-law, Linda Lewis of Eustace and many nieces and nephews.

A public memorial service will be held at a later date, at which time, flowers may be sent. Donations may be made to the Canton Church of Christ, PO Box 636, Canton, Texas 75103 or to the Henry Lewis Scholarship Fund, Canton High School, 1045 South Buffalo, Canton, Texas 75103.

As there is no formal visitation, a few visitors at a time are allowed to view during business hours.