Everett L. Lewis

MAPLETON
- Everett L. Lewis, 87, of Mapleton, formerly of Pekin, died Friday, June 16, 2006, at the Danville Veterans Administration Medical Center in Danville, where he had resided for the past five years. Mr. Lewis was born Sept. 17, 1918, at Jacksonville, Ill., the son of Cosby and Ruth Cambell Lewis. He married Kay Eubanks on April 10, 1984. She preceded him in death April 13,1998. Surviving are one son, Everett (Angie) Lewis Jr. of Mapleton; one daughter, Sheree Lewis of Tinley Park, Ill.; four grandchildren, Chad, Nicole, Alicia and Tyrus; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Ronald, and an infant son, Edward; one brother; and six sisters. He was inducted into the Army on Jan. 2, 1944, as a tank driver with the 2nd Armored Division Company A 702 TD. He landed on Normandy Beach and took part in many battles including the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 5, 1949. He then enlisted with the Army Reserves and served another 21 years, reaching the rank of master sergeant. He owned and operated Everett's Beauty Salon & Barber Shop in Pekin and Peoria for 42 years. Everett had been active for many years in the Pekin community, belonging to the Pekin Lions Club, becoming a member of the club on Oct. 1, 1949, and was former president of the club. He was awarded the Lions Club Melvin R. Jones Award. He also was a 50-year Mason. He enjoyed working with handicapped children and loved horseback riding. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. Cremation rites will be accorded and services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Pekin Lions Club, P.O. Box 751, Pekin, IL 61555, or to the VA Illiana Health Care System, 1900 E. Main St., Danville, IL 61832. Springbrook Cremation Services of Peoria is in charge of arrangements.