Lewis Alan Read

Lewis Alan Read,78, a beloved figure in his community, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Labette Health in Independence, Kansas.

Born on February 13, 1947, in Independence, he grew up and graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1965 before furthering his education at Independence Junior College.

Alan owned Dewey Auto Sales for many years, a business that became a staple of the community until his retirement in 2010 at the age of 62. A proud veteran, he served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 until 1969, achieving the rank of SP4 before receiving an honorable discharge.

Known for his kind and welcoming personality, Alan was affectionately called "Papaw" by his children and grandchildren. He cherished spending time with family, and his hobbies included fishing, hunting, photography, and creating lasting memories with those he loved. His dedication to his community shone through his proudest accomplishments, which included 46 years as a volunteer fireman with the Cherryvale Fire & EMS, membership in the VFW and American Legion in Independence, and support for the Heartland Vietnam Veterans 1011th S&S.

Alan is survived by his wife, April Diane French, whom he married on April 18, 1970, in Cherryvale, Kansas. They shared a loving home filled with warmth and laughter. He leaves behind his sons, Edward Alan Read of Independence, Kansas and David Michael (Jennifer) Read of Andover, Kansas, along with a wonderful bunch of grandchildren: Christopher Michael (Danielle) Read, Whitney Marie Wineland, Jack Henry Read, Ella Rain Read, Austin Chase Steffens, Brennan Jacob Gennette, Ellie June Holliday, and Lillie Rae Holliday, bonus daughter, Christy Banzet. He also had a great grandson, Cade Michael Neal Read, who brightened his later years.

Alan is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Elmore "Bud" Read and Betty Haney Read, and his granddaughter Mary Beth Read.

Funeral services will reflect his life of service and love. Visitation will be held at Cherryvale Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 13, 2026, starting at 9:30 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. 

 Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale with honors by the Cherryvale Fire Department and Independence Honor Guard American Legion Post 139 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post1186 in Independence. 

Memorial remembrances are suggested to the Lewis Alan Read Memorial for Cherryvale Fire and EMS and they may be mailed or left at Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 216 East 4th, Cherryvale, Kansas 67335

Lewis Alan Read will be dearly missed by all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and family dedication.