Lloyd 'David' Lewis, age 85 of Sarcoxie, passed away at 9:45 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2008 at National Healthcare in Joplin after winning a twenty-three year battle with cancer. David was born at home in Lawrence County, MO on October 14, 1922, the youngest son of John Franklin and Gladys (Rowland) Lewis. He was raised in the Downey neighborhood east of Sarcoxie and his early education was in that one-room school. David married his high school sweetheart, Erylene Fullerton, on May 1, 1944 in Columbus, KS. They celebrated sixty-two years together. Lloyd D. Lewis was drafted into the Army on July 17, 1944 and served his country in World War II in the 70th Infantry Division with the 'Trailblazers' in France. He was wounded in action on February 7, 1945 at an old mill complex near Grosbliederstroff, France. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds to his legs, which left him with a permanent disability. Sixty years later, he was also given the Bronze Star medal for this action, with our thanks to Christopher 'Kit' Bond. The people of the Alsace Lorraine region of France have often expressed their appreciation for his part in liberating them. After the war, David worked for the Carthage Police Department as a desk sergeant while recovering from his injuries. He went to college on the G.I. Bill at Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, KS graduating with a B.S. degree in June, 1952. His first teaching job was with the Lamar High School as the Industrial Arts instructor. Over the next few years, he also taught at the Carthage Vocational School, Sarcoxie High School and MSSC. In 1955 David took a position with Allgeier, Martin and Associates Engineering in Joplin as a draftsman, retiring in 1980. His hobbies were woodworking and fishing. David was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Joplin, Missouri. He and Erylene raised their four children in the Royal Heights neighborhood before moving back to their hometown of Sarcoxie. David and Erylene spent many happy hours traveling throughout the United States and Europe. They literally made friends all over the world. David was preceded in death by his wife, Erylene, his parents and all of his siblings; Rowlyn Gilmore, John Jr., Robert, Richard and Donald Lewis. Mr. Lewis is survived by two daughters, Sheryl Ann Colson of Joplin MO and Sheila Louise Lewis of Grove, OK, two sons, Lloyd D. Lewis II and wife Sheri of Owasso, OK, and Jeffrey Franklin Lewis and wife Cynthia of Edmond, OK, nine grandchildren, Victor David Colson and wife Missy, Aaron Lewis Colson and wife Heather, Allison Pearl Burns Light and husband James, Sheryl Elizabeth Arambula, David Paul Lewis and wife Amanda, Rachel Lewis, Katy Lewis, Jeffrey David Lewis, Ryan Matthew Lewis, three great-grandchildren, Cooper, Claire and Carmen Colson and two first cousins, Stanley Lewis, Sarcoxie and Betty Lou Hammar Priuleux of Beaver Creek, OH and many friends. Funeral services for Lloyd David Lewis are 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2008 in the Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home Chapel in Sarcoxie, Missouri the Pastor Denzil Thomas officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Union Cemetery near Stotts City, Missouri. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Victor Colson, Aaron Colson, David P. Lewis, Jeffrey D. Lewis, Ryan M. Lewis and David Duff. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com. Memorials are being directed to either the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.