Peanut Lewis

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its Persistence.” Carlton Joseph Lewis, JR, always going by Peanut, died peacefully at Mercy Joplin on May 4,2021. After many years of poor health Peanut boarded the Heavenly Train and is in the diner car drinking sweet tea.

Like the analogy of the River, he grew up on and in the Mississippi River. Friends remember a track star, a cableman with such a sense of humor that everyone liked him and a man who was always in church from his teens through senior years. 

He faithfully served his country and was sent to the remote air base in Galena, Alaska. Always a happy person he would write it was spring there and 80 below zero.

He met Helen Wright at Columbus Air Force Base where he was a paramedic and firefighter. Helen and Peanut had one daughter, Melissa who now lives in Goodman.

In his thirties Peanut had his first heart attack. As a result of these issues, he remained in poor health up and until this week. Like the River his life was focused on endurance. Day in and day out he was taking care of others, driving little old ladies to shop, helping with youth at church, teaching grandkids how to fish, and just being a good listener. Endurance prevailed in his selfless attitude.

Peanut was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Catherine “Dollie” Irlbeck Lewis and Carlton Lewis, his baby brother Carlton, and his talented wife Helen Wright Lewis.

He is survived by his daughter Melissa and her two children Kirsten and Sebastian Patrick of Goodman, MO. His oldest sister, Cathy Lewis lives in Pierce City. His sister Kay Williams and Michael Williams live in Pierce City. His niece, Alisha Davis lives in Springfield with her husband Stewart Davis and children Hailey and Hannah Davis. Across the United States he has cousins and friends who thought of themselves as family. At home and in his yard, he has Rufus and CD along with a host of cats who loved him.

Mr. Lewis will be buried at Springfield Military Cemetery. A memorial will be held at Goodman Baptist Church Sunday May 30 at 2:00 PM. Pastor James Townsend will preside.

Like the River that shaped his youth, Peanut endured the battles of life and won for himself the coveted crown of Life because he believed the passage “HE leads me beside still waters” and he knows it is true.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Baptist Church in Goodman, St. Jude’s or a Christian youth program of your choice. Burial will be at the military cemetery but the Lewis and Williams hope you can join them Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 2:00 to celebrate the life of Peanut.