Charles William “Bill” Lewis, 79, of Fort Scott, passed away at Overland Park Regional Hospital early Friday morning, June 27, 2025. Bill was born in unforgettable fashion on November 2, 1945 – on the front steps of Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott. His mother, Marjorie Alice (Singmaster) Lewis, went into labor enroute, and his father, Marvin Singleton Lewis, famously “caught” him just outside the hospital doors. That dramatic entrance set the tone for a life marked by resilience, resourcefulness, and a great sense of humor.

Bill began his education in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Bourbon County, where he attended through eighth grade before transitioning to Fort Scott public schools. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1963 and attended Fort Scott Community College. He began working at an early age on the family farm, mastering a lifetime’s worth of skills while helping with fieldwork, milking cows, and every chore in between. Over the years, he wore many hats professionally: he worked for Kansas Gas & Electric as a meter reader for Bourbon County, owned and operated a diner, and built and repaired homes as a talented and meticulous carpenter and handyman. He also worked for MCM Restoration
and was known far and wide as someone who could fix just about anything.

Through all seasons of life, Bill remained a steady, hardworking man – a provider and supporter not only for his family, but for friends and neighbors alike. He met life’s challenges head-on, including
surviving polio in childhood and three separate battles with cancer in adulthood, always with grit, grace, and quiet determination.

Bill had a deep love for classic cars and spent countless Wednesday nights playing poker with his longtime crew, affectionately known as The State Line Society Club. He enjoyed old westerns, football
games, and NASCAR, and loved hitting the local casinos with his beloved partner, Deb Sailors. He also found joy in sharing meals and laughter with friends. And no matter where he was or who was
watching, if “Mustang Sally” came on, you could count on Bill to break into a dance with a grin on his face. Above all, Bill was a devoted father and grandfather. He never missed an opportunity to show pride in his grandchildren, to support them, cheer them on, and dote on them in every way possible.

Bill is survived by his children, David (Carole) Lewis and Lisa (Robbie) Jackson; grandchildren, Taelor Lewis, Madeleine, Katherine, and Sofe Lewis; great-grandchildren, Declan and Haze Hawn, and his special friend, Deb Sailors, her children, Jeff (Megan) Sailors, with Sam, Max, and Lexi, and Joe (Mary) Sailors, with Savannah and Olivia. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Peel; sisters-in-law, Leah Lewis and Kitty Lewis; and brother-in-law, Sam Huckaby. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth Ann (Huckaby) Lewis; and siblings Marvin Jr., Ronald, and Jerry Lewis.

An open visitation will be held at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery with family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Care to Share, a local cancer support group that was dear to Bill’s heart. Memorial contributions may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.