Joe Humphrey Lewis

Joe H. Lewis of Frankfort Ohio passed into eternal life on April 2, 2016 following a brief illness. Joe was born August 17, 1921 in Elliott County Kentucky to James Walker and Martha Alice (Castle) Lewis. Joe was one of seven children. His two surviving siblings are James Walker Lewis Jr. and Dewey (Margaret) Lewis, both of South Shore KY. Joe was raised on a small farm in South Shore where they raised crops and some livestock. He attended and walked to a small one room school house. As a young adult, he came to Ohio in search of work. During his search, he found more than just work. He found his wife of 72 years, Elva Montgomery Lewis. Joe and Elva were married on November 4, 1939 in Greenup County, KY. Their marriage was blessed with 5 children, all of whom survive. They are Violet (Robert) Wayland of Frankfort, Joe H. (Carmen) Lewis Jr. of Windsor Ontario, Rosa Marcella "Marty" Henness, Patricia (Michael) Putnam, and Mitchell (Nora) Lewis, all of Frankfort. Joe was blessed with many Grandchildren. They include: Greg (June) Wayland, Geoff (Lisa) Wayland, Darrin (Michelle) Lewis, Kerri (Charlie) Rice, Mark Henness, Rebecca (Marvin) Nash, Amy Putnam, Amanda Putnam, Michael Lee (Kim) Putnam, Alissa Putnam (Joshua Kern), Jason Lewis, and Jennifer (J.R.) Harper. Great Grandchildren: Sarah (Wes) Wood, Emily Wayland, Molly (Logan) Calhoun, Max, Alexis, and Joe Putnam, Michael Kern, Dani Killion Keplinger, Zach and Nicholas Thomas, Steven and Joshua Rice, Eva and Ruby Lewis. He also has 4 great great grandchildren. Joe is also survived by many brothers and sisters in law and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
Joe and Elva started their lives together in Ross County OH. They moved after a couple years back to South Shore KY where he returned to work on the farm with his family. After the beginning of WWII, Joe moved his young family to Baltimore MD, to work in the ship yards as a steel worker. He was hard-working and honest and was promoted to foreman before finally being drafted to serve in the United States Army. He said his departure was the only time he ever saw his father cry. His service sent him to the Philippines and Japan. He served with Battery C, 64th Field Artillery, 25th Division. After the war, he returned to the family farm for a short while. Then he moved the family back to Ross County Ohio where they settled outside of Frankfort, and lived the rest of his days. During his working career, he used the GI bill to learn a trade as a mechanic. After a serious injury, he changed his career path. He took a job with Mead Paper Co. construction where he learned his trade as an electrician. He later joined the IBEW Local 575 for many years, until his retirement.
Joe enjoyed playing softball as a young man and was an accomplished pitcher. He continued to enjoy sports throughout his life and avidly followed the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He was also a lover of traditional blue grass music. He attended many festivals and concerts with his siblings and family. Also, there was not a John Wayne movie that he didn't know by heart. Joe was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and the Frankfort American Legion Post 483. He was a member of the Bible Baptist Community Church, where he served faithfully for many years. He was truly a man of God. No family gathering was complete without his gift for giving the blessing. He will be truly missed.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, his wife Elva, four siblings including: Vergie (Matt) Bentley, Vada (Sherman) Workman, J.B. (Dorothy) Lewis and Verna (Mike) Job. He was also predeceased by one son-in-law, Marlin L. Henness and one granddaughter, Kim (Ray) Killion.
Funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, April 8, 2016 in the EBRIGHT FUNERAL HOME, Frankfort with Pastor Jeff Blakeman officiating. Burial with military honors accorded by the Joseph Ellsworth White Post 483 Frankfort American Legion will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Frankfort. Friends may visit with the Lewis family at the funeral home on Thursday from 5 to 8p.m..