Robert Dean "Bob" Lewis

Robert Dean "Bob" Lewis of Farmington passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at the age of 84. He was born on October 21, 1928, at Alton, IL, son of the late Ben and Eula (Day) Lewis. Bob attended Farmington High School graduating in 1946. He was president of his class and was captain of the football team while in high school. He went on to attend the University of Missouri until volunteering with the U. S. Army in September of 1946. During a leave from the military, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Joyce. He served in the occupation of Japan until his honorable discharge in December of 1947. Upon his return to Missouri, Bob attended Central College, Flat River Junior College and Missouri University where he received a Bachelor of Journalism in 1951. He went on to work at Topeka State Journal and Fort Scott Tribune. In 1952, he returned to Farmington where he ran the Western Auto Store until 1976 when the store was sold. From 1976 to 1987 Bob was a Vice President for Mercantile Bank of Farmington. Bob always had a passion for nature. This included archery, canoeing and camping. Bob achieved the highest honor in scouting, the Silver Beaver. He was a naturalist and mountain climber who, after his retirement lived out his dream working for the National Park Service in Rocky Mountain National Park. Later he was a naturalist at St. Francois State Park Service giving numerous, wonderful programs to visitors. In Farmington he was known as the "bird man" who had a life list of over 600 birds. Bob helped found the East Ozark Audubon Society and was the editor of its newsletter, "The Bird's Eye View." He wrote his own autobiography. He loved his country, town and family. He was a community minded person who had been a past president of Kiwanis Club, former member of the Farmington RVII School Board and Jaycees. He was an active member of Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors in addition to his wife of 63 years, Joyce; are three children, Christy, Greg and wife, Rebecca, and Barbara; three grandchildren, Jocelyn, Gina and Daniel; one great-grandson, Daniel; and one brother, Dick Lewis. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Sunday, October 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Monday beginning at 10 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church with the Reverend Scott Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Parkview Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials may be made to the East Ozarks Audubon Society in care of the funeral home. Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Memorial United Methodist Church