Omer Lewis

Omer Neil Lewis, 97, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, completed his journey on this earth Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at Crowley Ridge Nursing Center, in Dexter, Missouri.

Omer was the son of Lee H. and Mary Ellen (Strother) Lewis. He was born Oct. 24, 1923, in Success, Arkansas, and was raised on a farm in Palatka, Arkansas and later in Poplar Bluff along Black River. Being drafted during WWII, he served two and a half years in the U.S. Navy as a Radar Operator, on Submarine Chaser–760. Omer also worked in St. Louis at a Chevrolet Manufacturing Plant, but quicky realized the big city was not a place for a farm boy. He and his family returned to Poplar Bluff, where he continued farming and raising his family. Omer loved farming and being outside, but his most joyful time was spent with his family.

Omer married Anna Arnold in 1942. She preceded him in death in 1999.

Survivors include five grandchildren, Steve Wade Lewis, Margie Ann Standridge, Dolly Ann Feathers, Jerry Lee Rice and David Allen Rice; and 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Omer also was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Floyd Neil Lewis; a daughter, Debbie Jane Rice; and four siblings, Buck, Ernie, Beulah and Virgie.

Due to Covid restrictions, a brief visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel followed with the funeral service at 2 p.m. Rev. Glenn Epps will officiate. Interment will be at Brown Chapel Cemetery in Broseley. Mask and social distancing are required.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Omer Neil Lewis. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.