In Memory

Eddie Lewellen

Eddie Lewellen died of a heart attack Wednesday night at his home in Plainview. Following a private family burial, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2013, in the First United Methodist Church with Mr. Lanny Voss and the Rev. Jeff Taylor officiating. A visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Eddie was born December 24, 1944, to Alvin Earl and Ellen Lewellen. A '63 graduate of Plainview High School, he completed his education at West Texas State University. Eddie served as a staff sergeant in the 36th Infantry Division of the National Guard for six years.

A member of a pioneer family, Eddie was a fourth-generation Lewellen to farm in Hale County. As a farmer, in 1998 he organized a group of 10 West Texas farmers who challenged the constitutionality of the tax action set by the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation. The lawsuit progressed through the court system all the way to the Texas Supreme Court, with the farmers winning the lawsuit. Numerous court cases and articles throughout the nation cite this boll weevil case.

Eddie married Jane Clary of Plainview in August 1965. Their three children, Paige, Brooks and Ashley completed their family. His greatest pride was that all three of his children graduated from College - Paige and Ashley from the University of Oklahoma and Brooks from the University of Arkansas. He loved being a Chi Omega dad and a Pi Beta Phi dad. Always involved in his children's activities, he coached YMCA basketball and helped behind the scenes with Scouts, car washes, choir functions and various fundraisers.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two nephews, Kevin Lewellen and Russell Page; a niece, Andria Clary; and his brother-in-law, Les Clary. Eddie is survived by his wife of the home; children Paige Nordell (Joakim) of Plano, Brooks Lewellen of Houston and Ashley Williams (Blake) of Bentonville, Ark,; three grandsons, Carter Williams, Brennan Williams and Anders Nordell; his siblings, Chris Lewellen (Sue) of Plainview, Phillip Lewellen (Connie) of Plano, Beverly Lewellen of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, Texas 79174 or First United Methodist Church, 1001 W. Seventh St., Plainview, Texas 79072. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.  



 
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06/15/13 02:15 PM #3    

Lynn Wood (Simmons)

Jane , you and your family are in my prayers.  I really enjoyed visiting with you and Eddie at the all school reunion.  He was one of the good guys.   Lynn Wood Simmons


06/15/13 03:30 PM #4    

Jimmy Boyett

Eddie, R I P my friend, Jimmy Boyett, Class of 1963


06/15/13 07:54 PM #5    

Jerry Stone

I was so sad to hear  of Eddie's passing.  Eddie and I  had a lot fun  in the band.  He sat in front of me  and sometimes we would  get a little too  loud while Chief  was working with the clarinet section.  Chief threw his  baton  at us a few times , but we were good at ducking and it usually hit the trombone section.  Maybe we canbe in the big band in heaven someday.


06/15/13 08:57 PM #6    

Karen Smith (Stewart)

I am so sorry to hear of Eddie's passing.  I remember fun times in band with him.  Thoughts and prayers are with his family during this sad time.  May the memories of the fun and good times help to carry his family through the next days, months, years.


06/16/13 03:53 PM #7    

Dolores Thomas (Becker)

May God wrap you in His arms and give you peace and comfort while you and your family mourns the loss of Eddie.  I always enjoyed visiting with Eddie because usually he had a story that would make one laugh.  He will be missed by many especially in the class of '63..

Dee Becker (Dolores Thomas)

Class of '63

 


06/16/13 09:28 PM #8    

Brenda Beard (Sizemore)

Please know my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lewellen family.  He was such a wonderful person.


06/16/13 09:51 PM #9    

Sandra Chaney (McMillen)

I have many fond memories of Eddie and Chris in band.  We had some grand times.  I was sad to learn of Eddie's passing.  I know that he will be missed by many.


06/17/13 06:34 PM #10    

Mike Gentry

Jane
I am  so sorry to here of your loss of Eddie, the world will not be the same without him.I was looking forward to taking his money on the golf course this fall during our 50th class reunion. We had many memories together, from over nights watching the animals mate, to that memorial night in Ruidoso when Eddie challenged one of the local boy's to a drag race.I and another of his friends, Craig something from Mississippi  were told to stand on the side of the road while the race took place, after a long time the sheriff arrived and asked what we were doing to which Craig something from Mississippi responded our friend was low on gas and we lightened the car so he could make it to the nearest service station. We were promptly taken to the city jail where we remained until Eddie returned admitted his guilt and gained our freedom.
He will always be my friend

 
Mike Gentry

06/18/13 01:05 PM #11    

Timmy Benefield

I couldn't seem to rest until I commented on Eddie's passing. Eddie has always been such a gentleman. There wasn't a bad bone in him. I know his parents were proud of him. If I had a son I would wish he would grow up to be like a Eddie. See ya later Eddie. Tim


07/23/13 10:47 PM #12    

Larry Benton

I am saddened to hear of Eddie's passing. Our school years together went all the way back to the first grade. We were in Cub Scouts together. He was a real class person. May Eddie's accomplishments in life not be forgotten. 


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