Donald Leroy Lewis, Sr.

1936 – 2023

 

     Donald Leroy Lewis, Sr., 87, of Keokuk, IA died Sunday, December 31, 2023 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, IA.

     He was born on February 29, 1936 in Lockridge, IA, the son of Manford Carl and Callie (Orton) Lewis. 

     On November 14, 1987, Donald was united in marriage to Phyllis Yoe Ette at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA.  She survives.

    He is also survived by one daughter, Debbie Rose (Daniel) of Keokuk, one son, Donald Lewis, Jr. (Amanda) of Keokuk, one step-daughter, Tammy Rudd of Donnellson, four grandchildren, Amanda Meek of North Liberty, IA, Devin Lewis, Drew Lewis (Mikelle) and Tabitha Rudd (Paul Johnson) all of Keokuk, numerous great-grandchildren and one sister, Marilyln “Puggy” Zweifel of Memphis, MO.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Beverly “Tootie”  Rose and two step-sons, Michael Ette and Robert Ette.

     Donald had been employed with the Burlington Northern Railroad as a switchman for forty-two years, retiring in 1998.  He was also a hog farmer.

     He enjoyed working on old cars and restoring his prized convertibles, a 1966 Ford Galaxy and a 1991 Corvette.  He also enjoyed working in his shop and having coffee with the guys at McDonalds.

     Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk.  Burial will be in the Hickory Grove Cemetery.

     Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 – 11 a.m. with the family meeting with friends at that time.

     In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jackson Township Fire Department.

    On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com