Charles Vernon Lewis On Jan. 10, 1955, a beautiful baby boy, Charles “Charlie” Vernon Lewis was born to Ralph A. Lewis Sr. and Eva Jenkins Lewis. Charlie was blond headed and blue eyed. He was born in the old Holbrook Hospital and delivered by Dr. DeMarse. He joined three siblings, Ralph A. Lewis Jr., Velma Lewis Perkins and Carol Lewis Downing. Four years later his baby sister, Sharlia K. Lewis joined the family. His youth was spent in Show Low where he attended Blue Ridge High School District. Charlie excelled in sports in school. He was an Eagle Scout. He played trumpet in the band; he would march with the band in his football uniform, but he wanted to be with his team at half time. He was in the choir and his love for sports, hunting and fishing was developed at an early age. Charlie moved to Holbrook and married Donna Deck. They had a beautiful red headed daughter, Shannon Lewis. Shannon is dearly loved as his only daughter. Charlie valued his membership in the Holbrook Masons. He was joined by members that he respected and was taught to value the importance of character, manhood, service to your community, and embrace relationships with honesty, integrity and love of all mankind. He served as a fireman for the Holbrook Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years and retired. His great joy was service, never feared, he loved ringing the fire department bell. Charlie and his brother, Ralph Lewis and others built the present Firehouse Station No. 3. Charlie was a licensed contractor and built many homes on the Navajo reservation, Holbrook and the White Mountains. He mastered masonry skills and polished petrified wood. He stated every piece of petrified wood told him a story and loved working with wood. His skills resulted in him working for many years in the arenas he loved. He developed a deep love for his friends. They hunted, fished, traveled to Alaska and all over enjoying their bonds. Two of his dearest friends, Dale McKinnon and Tim Hatch made his wishes come true in his final days. They took him turkey hunting. He donated this year’s elk tag to the Make A Wish Foundation. He was a big tease and always sang a song related to a subject in a conversation. He loved playing the harmonica, “Shortnin’ Bread” was his favorite. His friends competed in practical jokes. He loved Holbrook and in the past few years he planted a garden and loved working with the soil and shared the production of fruits and vegetables. Eight years ago he started a battle of courage, determination and faith. Cancer invaded his body. It was met with the determination of a warrior. On Oct. 22, 2020, he was taken to his Heavenly home. Passing away in his baby sister’s home, Sharlia Lewis. The love and devotion of the relationship of brotherly and sisterly love was magnified by the care and love she gave him until his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother. He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Lewis, and three siblings, many nieces and nephews who he entertained at Christmas as Santa Claus. A Celebration of Life services are pending at this time and will be published once finalized. If you remember me with tears, you do not remember me at all. This was his wishes and message left to his family and friends. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low and Holbrook handled the arrangements.
