The Homegoing Celebration: Deacon Luther William Lewis (March 30, 1931 ~ October 15, 2025)

I Do not own the rights to any music Played* Services are being Live-Streamed by: www.DignifiedDigital.com Link for Digital Obituary Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Wqw... “A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Leadership” Deacon Luther William Lewis, CMS was born on March 30, 1931, in Eagletown, Oklahoma, the thirteenth child of Frank and Vinnie Lewis. All his siblings preceded him in death, but their love and legacy remained with him throughout his life. Luther grew up in Eagletown, where he attended elementary school before continuing his education in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and later at Dunbar High School - nine miles from Eagletown. At the young age of nine, Luther accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Eagletown, under the leadership of Pastor William Anderson, and was baptized. This early decision shaped the direction of his life. After high school, Luther joined a gospel singing group that traveled across five states—Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Their final engagement was in Amarillo, Texas, in 1948. Luther remained in Amarillo for three and a half years, and it was there that he met and later married the love of his life, Hattie Pearl Watson, on September 4, 1951. In October of that year, Luther and Hattie moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where they established their home and raised their family. Shortly after arriving, they united with Morning Star Baptist Church under Reverend A. B. Simmons. Luther remained a dedicated servant there for over 50 years. He served faithfully in many capacities, including Sunday School teacher for men, choir member, layman, district layman, and chairman of the Deacon Ministry. In 1957, he was ordained as a Deacon, a call he fulfilled with faithfulness, humility, and devotion. Luther’s ministry reached beyond his local church. In 1990, he was selected as the first Deacon Instructor for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., where he served faithfully for 20 years. Luther attended the World Baptist Alliance in South Korea and performed with the National Laymen Male Chorus, an experience that highlighted his deep commitment to worship and fellowship on a global stage. During the 145th Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., held in Kansas City in 2025, Luther was honored with the John L. Webb Award by the National Baptist Laymen's Movement. This prestigious award is the highest accolade bestowed by this auxiliary, and it recognized Luther’s decades of faithful service, leadership, and dedication to the work of the Laymen’s Movement. D In addition to his Christian service, Luther worked diligently throughout his life. He began his career at Armour Packing Company, where he worked until he was drafted into the military. Luther served his country with distinction. Drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War, he spent two years on active duty, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was awarded two battle stars for his service. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his commitment in the Army Reserve, where through hard work, discipline, and leadership, he rose from Staff Sergeant to First Sergeant, and ultimately to Command Sergeant Major. By attending advanced military schools, he was entrusted with the responsibility of Command Sergeant Major, overseeing 10 units stretching from Kirksville, Missouri, down to the Arkansas border in Poplar Bluff, with approximately 1,500 enlisted personnel under his leadership. He retired honorably after completing 35 years of total service in both active duty and the reserves in 1987. Luther’s work continued at the packing company until their closure. He later gained employment at Allis-Chalmers in Independence, Missouri, where he worked in machinery production, and eventually began a long career at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) as General Supervisor in Facility Management. He served faithfully at UMKC for 30 years, retiring in 1996. Beyond his professional and community service, Luther’s passions included sports—especially football— as well as cherished spending time with family. Luther leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 74 years, Hattie Pearl Lewis; two children, Sherry Lewis Jones and Darryl Lewis; three grandchildren, Darrick (Krissy), DaMaris, and Darian; and four great-grandchildren: Landon, Kelcey, Jahden, and Langston. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, and friends. Deacon Luther William Lewis lived a life marked by faith, family, and service—to God, to his church, to his community, and to his country. Closing Scripture: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” — John 3:16–17