Adrian Ernest Lewis

Adrian Lewis, 88, of rural Putnam County, MO, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2016.

Adrian Ernest Lewis was born near Stahl, in Putnam County, MO, on June 17, 1927, the son of John Herman and Margaret Ellen (Cowan) Lewis, who preceded him in death. He was reared in Putnam County and was part of the graduating class of Unionville High School in 1945. Adrian graduated in March so that he could join the United States Navy. He served in the Navy for 18 months, being discharged at the end of World War II.

Adrian married Elizabeth “Betty” McKinley in Kirksville, MO, on March 5, 1950, and she survives at home. Adrian and Betty began married life on a farm near Kirksville, but then moved back to Putnam County in 1961 to farm on land near where Adrian was reared. He lived at that home until two weeks before he passed away.

Adrian was an active community leader for most of his life. He served 30 years on the Board of Northeast Missouri Rural Telephone, 6 years on the Adair County Feeder Calf Association, 9 years with the Putnam County Feeder Calf Association, 6 years on the Adair County Extension Council, 6 years with the FHA loan approval committee, and many years on the board of the Lone Pine Cemetery Association. Adrian was a charter member of the Putnam County R-1 School District Board and served 4 years on the board. He enjoyed gospel music and played the guitar. Adrian was a committed and loyal member of the Parkview Church of Christ and served many years as a leader and teacher. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:17: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

In addition to his wife, Adrian is survived by his three children: David (Diana) Lewis of rural Putnam County, Ellen (Tom McDonald) Gordon, and Connie (Nick) Michael, all of Unionville, MO. His grandchildren are Linda Nicoli, Teresa Pothier, Dustin (Amanda) Gordon, Josh Rennells, Mike Rennells, and Tanner Michael. Nine great grandchildren also survive as well as a niece and nephew in the state of Washington and a cousin, Mark Lewis, of Unionville, MO.

Adrian was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Maxwell.

Graveside services and interment for Adrian Lewis will be at the Lone Pine Cemetery southeast of Unionville, MO, at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 25, 2016. Visitation will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Wednesday, February 24.

Memorials are suggested to the Parkview Church of Christ and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.