ROBERT CLYDE LEWIS

1930-2021

The first in his family to live to be 90 years old, Robert Lewis departed this earth on July 10, 2021, surrounded by the family that was the joy of his life.

Anyone who knew Robert can testify to his great kindness, his innate honesty, his deep respect for others. He was a hard worker, a loyal husband, a caring father and grandfather, and a worthy role model to all. He leaves a huge void in the lives of his family.

Born Sept. 8, 1930 in Paris, Texas, Robert grew up near Moultrie, Georgia and graduated Moultrie High School in 1949. He married Hazel Harrell in 1950, and they welcomed a daughter Dianne in 1951. In the spring of 1956, he moved to Texas for better job opportunities. He worked at Shell Oil for six years. When the new Gulf Oil refinery opened east of Houston, he went to work there and stayed 37 years. His son Byron Jay was born in 1960.

He married Linda Matthews Weldon in the fall of 1980 and welcomed her children Tammie, Pam and Donovan as his own. When he retired from what is now Chevron at 69, he was the last of the original Gulf crew. He and Linda built their dream house in Florien, Louisiana, and moved there in July

2006. Active in the life of Peason United Pentecostal Church, he helped build their fellowship center which was named the Robert Lewis Fellowship Hall.

Along the way, he and

Linda welcomed 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. In April 2016, Robert published his life story, which ends with this: “When my kids and grandkids and great-grandkids come to see us, my life is complete. That has been my love in life, all I ever wanted, my home and family. And when I’m gone, people can say, this man really lived!”

Robert is survived by his wife Linda, Dianne (John) Hopkins of Houston, Byron Jay (Keely) Lewis of Edinburg, TX, Tammie Keyes of Peason, LA, Pam (Pat) Flynn of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Donovan (Susan) Weldon of Smithvillle, TX.

His grandchildren include Jason (Aline) Hopkins, John Michael (Marti) Hopkins, Andrew (Jaycie) Hopkins, Elizabeth Lewis, Mark (Jordan) Lewis, Cherish (Travis) Davis, Lance (Jessica) Keys, Devin (Rachel) Keys, Travis (Emily) Duplantis, Aimee Duplantis, Joshua (Cat) Flynn, Abbey Flynn, Justin (Meagan) Weldon and Taylor Weldon.

His great-grandchildren include Cole Hopkins, Keely Hopkins, Caleb Hopkins, Audrey Hopkins, Helena Hopkins, Penelope Hopkins, Mallerie (Bret) Laird, Preston Davis, Jazzlynn Keys, Jayla Keys, Audie Keyes, Sawyer Duplantis, Autumn Duplantis, Sydney Flynn and Robyn Flynn, Daxton Fultz and Hadlee Fultz. Violet Robertson, born June 25, is his first great-great grandchild.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents William & Tinie Wyatt Lewis and his siblings, Ruth McCracken, Evelyn Shepherd, Bill Lewis, Ronnie Lewis and Larry Lewis.

His service and burial were on July 13 in Peason, Louisiana.

Byron Jay and Keely request donations in memory of Robert Lewis be sent to Palm Valley Animal Society at PVASTX.org.