Paul "Bud" Lewis

August 14, 1928 - December 29, 2018

Paul “Bud” Lewis, 90, of Oskaloosa died Saturday, December 29, 2018, at his home in Oskaloosa. He was born August 14, 1928, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Parke and Elsie Powell Lewis. Following high school graduation, he worked with his father cutting and selling timber. As a young man he tried to serve in the military, however a medical condition disqualified him for military service. Though disappointed, he focused became a strong supporter of the war with his hard work at home. His strong work ethic was a character trait that he learned as a young man and carried through his entire life. On February 15, 1948, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Mary Steele at Eddyville. Mary died on May 9, 2011, after over 63 years of marriage. Paul continued to family business of working with wood, he and his brothers owned and operated Lewis Brothers’ Saw Mill for many years. Bud later worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for various construction companies. Last he worked in the Foundry at Clow Valve, he retired from there in 1986. In addition to working full time, he owned and operated a metal recycling business with his son and raised chickens and turkeys at his home. In retirement he found great joy in attending his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities. He was a dedicated supporter of his great granddaughter Jacque Terrell and never missed her softball games. He enjoyed being in the timber and cutting wood, working in his wood shop, and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a very caring, generous, and patient man. He is survived by three children and their spouses, Michael and Ellen Lewis of Rose Hill, Diane and Brett Else of Oskaloosa, and William and Shannon Lewis of Beacon; fourteen grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Mary, Bud was preceded in death by his parents, a son Jimmy Lewis; a daughter, Denise Feeney; two sisters, Pat (Larry) Mitchell and Jean Stapp; two brothers, Jack Lewis and Kenny Lewis; and brothers and sisters in law, Betty Rauch, Maxine Lewis, Delbert Steele, and Donald Steele. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Mike Sinnett officiating. Burial will be in the Coal Creek Cemetery southwest of Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. The family will be in the Bates Funeral Chapel from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. on Wednesday to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Pella Hospice.