Jack Leon Lewis

Jack L. Lewis, 85, of the Slater community died on Thursday, April 23, 2009. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 A.M. Monday April 27th at the Scott’s Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Slater Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Jack was born in Ryan, OK, to Julia Bell Lewis and William “Tobe” James Lewis. He attended and graduated from high school in Ryan before joining the Army during WWII. Jack was a much-decorated WWII paratrooper in the 517 Parachute Infantry. He was wounded three times while overseas and was a highly decorated soldier earning the bronze star with oak leaf cluster, five battle stars for campaigns in Southern France, Italy, Germany, England, and Belgium, including the Battle of the Bulge, European theater of operations ribbon, purple heart, combat infantryman badge, good conduct ribbon, and two bars noting overseas service. After being discharged from the Army Jack attended Texas A & M University, Abilene Christian University, and Sam Houston State University (SHSU). He graduated from SHSU with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree with a double major in entomology and agricultural science. He taught agriculture for 10 years at Northwest High School. While teaching at Northwest three of his grass judging teams placed first at the TX state UIL judging competitions. Jack and Joyce Marcella Burk were married in 1958 and last year celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. During the 1960s and 1970s Jack and Joyce started, owned, and managed several retail stores including White’s Home and Auto Stores in Grapevine, Munster, Frisco, and Lewisville, the first Yamaha dealership in Texas, D & J shoe and boot store, Grapevine Pawn, and an antique store. Although Jack was successful in retail his first love was agriculture and ranching and in 1971 Jack and Joyce moved to Coryell County where he applied his knowledge to cattle ranching. During the 1970s and 1980s Jack worked on several research studies and projects with Texas A & M University’s agriculture and entomology departments. Twice he was named outstanding researcher of the year. In 1991 Jack and his son, Bobby started and managed Double L Wildlife, a trophy and exotic wildlife business. Jack had the unique ability to follow his passions and to always be a success. Jack was a 65 Year Mason of the Huntsville Lodge Forrest #19 and a member of the Pearl Baptist Church. Jack is preceded in death by his parents and son, Bobby J. Lewis. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joyce Marcella Lewis, daughter Jaynie Lewis Fader, son-in law, Maynard Fader, sisters and brother, Joy Corel, Rosie Simmons, and Linda Good, Judy Baltierra, Dennis Stanton. Donations can be made to the Slater Cemetery Association, c/o of Pat Loden, 1145 Slater Road, Gatesville, TX 76528.