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Walter Lewis Obituary

WALTER ALLEN LEWIS died Friday, December 17, 2004. He was born July 16, 1912 in Fruitland, Tennessee. After Trenton High School graduation, he attended Memphis State College while working in a restaurant. He went to Wichita, KS to become manager of the food department at W.T. Grant Co. Later opened and owned his Lewis restaurant. Met Bethyl Stewart and after one year, they married in 1939 at the First Methodist Church. Moved to Houston in 1945, again with the W.T. Grant Co. President of Houston Restaurant Association in 1957; Houston Restaurateur of the month in 1967, Texas Restaurant Assn. Outstanding Restaurateur award in 1971. In 1962 leased the Bill Williams Restaurant near Richmond, TX. Life Member of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and bought many a steer. Member of First United Methodist Church Fellowship and Fidelis SS classes and Lifetime member of Administrative Board. Lifetime Member of J.W. Chandler Daylight Lodge, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, KCCH, Royal Order of the Ducks, Arabia Shrine Temple, Wrecking Crew and Directors Staff and served on Arabian mailing crew many years. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Bethyl and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM Tuesday, December 21, 2004 with funeral services at 1:00 PM in the Main Chapel of Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main, 77002 or the Arabia Shrine Hospital, P.O. Box 20625, Houston, 77225-0625.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 19, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Nicole Ritcheson

December 22, 2004

Walter has been a part of my family's holidays for many years. He has been so special to us. He and Bethel were my grandparents closest friends. I feel so blessed to have been a part of his life. His laughter and sweet nature made you feel special. I will miss him very much. I will toast him and my Grandfather with a sip of bourbon this year as that was their favorite.

Jeanie Brown

December 21, 2004

Walter was my uncle by marriage. Although we always lived hundreds of miles apart, I've always had a special connection with Walter and Bethyl. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to spend more time with them these last few years. I loved his smile and laugh and most of all the compassion and appreciation he had for everyone around him. What a wonderful role model and living example of the "Golden Rule". He'll be in my broken heart forever. I'll cherish the memories and miss him terribly.

Emily Haynes

December 20, 2004

I feel very fortunate to have known Walter Lewis and worked with him for many years. He was the leader of the mailing group at the Shrine and I had the great pleasure of being a part of that group. He was such a kind genuine symbol of what every man should strive to be like.

Caring and considerate of all that he met. I will miss him very much.

Sharon Stone

December 19, 2004

Walter was a great friend to my dad who was, also, in the Shrine. He and Bethel spent every Christmas with us before my parents were deceased. My mother liked him right away and immediatly called him "Cuzzie", as they had the same name as her maiden name and was from the same area of the country. She always thought they were related. He always had a sunny smile and a chuckle that was distinctly his. He was a good and kind man. I feel fortunate to have met him and he made a difference in my life. I will miss him greatly.

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