Caryl Lewis

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Caryl Luetta Lewis passed away on April 20, 2020 at the age of 98 with her family at her side.

She was born on August 2, 1921 to Ernest and Hattie (Johnson) Oldham.

Caryl was saved at the age of ten during a revival at Dudman Springs Church and was baptized in Center Creel on a cold March day.

Caryl graduated with honors from Carthage High School in 1939. On July 28, 1940, she married Stanley Lewis. With her support, he became a nationally celebrated horseman. Following his retirement from the horse business, they operated a hardware store in Sarcoxie for several years.

She served as a 4-H leader for ten years; she was one of the founders of Sarcoxie Bible Church and served as Sunday school teacher, church organist, and member of the Women’s Missionary Circle; she was a member of Progress Club and Chapter FZ of the PEO Sisterhood, for which she also served as president; she also served as president of Hostess Group One and was a member of the Lincoln Ladies Republican club and the state probate clerks association. She worked at the Jasper County Courthouse as probate clerk for seventeen years. Caryl enjoyed volunteering at the Gene Taylor Museum, in Sarcoxie and the Sarcoxie Senior Center. Never one to remain idle, in her retirement, she made over three hundred quilts for the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home in Mount Vernon.

Surviving Caryl are three children, Robyn Petelski and her husband, Nick, of Frisco, TX, Steve Lewis and his wife, Carolyn, of Sarcoxie, and Caren Austen of Sarcoxie; and daughter-in-law, Jan Lewis. Other survivors include nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son ,Bill Lewis; grandson, Matt Petelski; sister, Rebecca Melin; and brothers, Mack and W.A Oldham.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, private family services are being held. Family and friends are invited to visit Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 from 9am-6pm. for viewing and signing the register book.

In lieu of flowers the family has directed memorials to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the Sarcoxie Senior Center in care of the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, Missouri.