Donald L. Lewis

Was written by
Don L. Lewis Himself

It’s been a long road getting from here to there, now my time is finally here. Someone or something gave me a mission to fulfill on this earth and I hope I did it. I was born in a little house at 308 Washington, to Clarence LeRoy (Bud), and Gladys Lela Hall Lewis. I loved and lived a lifetime in Pocatello. I went to Roosevelt and Washington Grade Schools, Franklin Jr. High and Pocatello High School. I played the Clarinet and Saxophone from Jr. High through High School. I was in Pep Band all four years.
I did a lot of things, as I was a Paperboy, to setting pins in a Bowling Alley. I worked in a Cafe`, Furniture Store, Painted Tractors, worked for Allis Chambers and also mowed lawns. After Graduating in 1953, I went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad for 41 years, Retiring in 1994. I was a Switchman, Yardmaster, Trainmaster, Brakeman and Conductor. I was a Lifetime Member of the Elks Lodge. I was Baptized LDS in 1971, with my youngest daughter. I had one sister, Bebe Ruth, she married Robert L. Jackson. They had two children Kaylene and Kerry. (Kerry passed away in March of 1994).
In 1954, I married Bonnie Mae Nelson, divorced in 1955. (Deceased). In 1956, I marred Cloe Ann Anderson, had one daughter Cori Ann, and divorced in 1961. I remarried Cloe in 1962, having one more daughter Leslee Dawn, divorced 1977. Then I met Katheryn Ann Iras Ackerman, and not long after decided she was the one meant for me. We married in Las Vegas, NV November 28, 1980.
I was an Avid Bowler, Fisherman, Dart and Pool Player. I loved my 22 ft. Inboard/Outboard Boat and Snowmobiles. I almost did er all. My last challenge was to buy a Bar, and I did, and I named it Players. I had it for 9 years, Owner Operator. I had some good Dart Tournaments, with some really good 8-Ball and 9-Ball Pool Tournaments. I even embarrassed myself by singing Karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights, but it was fun. I spent quite a few weekends at Cactus Pete’s in Jackpot, NV.
He is survived by Daughter’s Cori Yowell (Russell), Winnemucca, NV, Grandson Chad Yowell, Great Grandson Kayden Don Yowell, Nikki Yowell, Mother of Kayden. Daughter Leslee Dopita,(Patti Karabelnikoff) Pocatello, Grandson’s Colt Dopita, Cameron Dopita and Drew Dopita (Dan Dopita, Leslee married in 1981 and divorced in 1995). Stepchildren, Nick Ackerman (Nancy) with two children, Sandra Ackerman with six children, William Lars Ackerman (deceased), Debbie Ackerman with five children, and Christine Ackerman.
Preceded in Death by his wife, Katheryn, September 8, 2012, Grandson Casey Don Yowell, July 18, 2015.
A special thanks to my bestest friend, Darlene Sanders, very friendly, caring, giving, always there when needed, and to Darlene’s family, Laurie, David, Terry, Jim Jones, and Kathy. I have found a new Family.
Don’t look back on your life and think “If Only”. LIFE...It is What It Is. Love sometimes means an Invitation for more pain. A man with no family will tremble in the cold.
There will be no services. To be cremated by Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel. Ashes will be spread by my two daughters.
In my behalf (Don Lewis), there will be a Wake on March 25th 2016, at Rumors Bar, 2227 Garrett Way, starting at 5:00 pm until whenever!!