Lewis Arthur Small

Lewis Arthur Small
12/13/2025
Lewis Small, aged 103, of Beulah, passed away quietly on December 13, 2025, at Kalkaska Memorial Hospital in Kalkaska, MI. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane, in 1995, and his eldest daughter, Dorcas Humphrey, in 2024. He is survived by two daughters, Cheri (Terry) Williams, of Kalkaska, MI, and Teresa (Marshal) Mattson of Adrian, MI; 6 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Mr. Small was born on December 27, 1921, the youngest of five children of Dr. Fred L. Small and Edith Wilson Small. He attended Benzonia High School, graduating with honors. After high school, he briefly attended Michigan State College and Wheaton College.
Mr. Small married his beloved, Jane Reed, in 1943, and in 1945 he was drafted into the United States Army, serving with occupation forces in Japan for two years and achieving the rank of sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he and Jane underwent training for missionary work with New Tribes Mission (now Ethnos360), and from 1949-1955, the Small family lived and worked among indigenous people in Bolivia, South America, primarily in translation of the New Testament.
From 1955 to 1962, Mr. Small worked as a linotype operator at the Benzie Record newspaper in Beulah. From 1963 to 2011, he was proprietor of Reedcraft Weavers, weaving and selling high-quality placemats, throw rugs, and pot-holders, primarily to summer resorters and tourists. For many Beulah residents, Reedcraft's place of business-a spacious former ice house-became a familiar Beulah landmark. To the end of his days, Mr. Small attributed his excellent health and long life to his over 50 years of weaving. He retired at age 85.
Mr. Small was a quiet man, kindly to all, and loving and loyal to his family. He loved horses, and his quiet skill with them made him a "whisperer" of sorts. He enjoyed working with his hands and fixing things-a hammer, screwdriver, and pliers were always close by. He loved going on road trips to the Upper Peninsula with Jane and later with his daughters. Most notably, from the late 1960s to the early 2020s he sent long, typed letters weekly to his family, desisting only when his eyesight began to fail.
Mr. Small would want to be remembered most for his commitment to, and deep love for, the Lord Jesus Christ. Reading the Scriptures and speaking about his Lord would often cause him to weep with joy. After Jane died, he devoted many hours daily to Bible study and prayer. As he explained, "I want to get ready for Heaven." And so he was.
Cremation has taken place, with interment of the cremains in the family plot at Benzonia Township Cemetery in Benzonia, MI. A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, is in charge of arrangements.
www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com