Thavuis Lewis

 Thavuis Lewis, a beloved son, husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend, passed away on April 12, 2025, in O'Fallon, Missouri, at the age of 89. He was born on June 5, 1935, in Mill Spring, Missouri. The family moved to the St. Louis area in his childhood, where he spent the majority of his life. Thavuis met and married his wife Shelba at Grace Baptist Church, while attending Midwest Bible Institute (now Calvary University).

Thavuis was a bivocational pastor and auto mechanic for over 30 years. An ASE-certified mechanic with multiple technical certifications in the automotive industry, he continued to share his knowledge and passion for mechanics by teaching at Lewis & Clark Career Center long past a second retirement into his eighties. His spirit of service was unwavering; in retirement, he continued to minister in his local church and devoted countless hours volunteering at Righteous Rides, helping provide transportation for missionaries on furlough. Thavuis was as skilled with his hands as he was gifted in preaching God's Word.

To his family, Thavuis was a steadfast rock and a reliable source of advice. He had a unique talent for teasing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, delighting in their laughter and creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. Always the first to lend a helping hand on home projects. He found countless used cars for grandkids and kept his family and friends' vehicles running smoothly. His willingness to assist others was a testament to his generous heart and loving nature.

Thavuis was not only known for his incredible skills in the garage but also for his adventurous spirit. He enjoyed hunting with his longtime best friend, Chuck Rucker, and often recounted a story of shooting two turkeys with a single bullet, a memory that he delighted in by proudly displaying the mounted turkeys in his office.

He leaves behind a loving family. Thavuis and Shelba set an example for their family of love and faithfulness over 63 years of marriage. He is survived by his son, Kevin (Cheryl) Lewis, and daughter, Rachel (Chris Ropers) Lewis. Thavuis was also a proud grandfather to Michelle (Joshua) Huegel, Christina Lewis, Elisabeth Lewis, Rebecca Lewis, Timothy Lewis, Danielle (Jesse) Miller, Benjamin Mullins, Killion Lewis-Foot, Kyrie (Chase) Rathe, Koltlynn Ramsey, Kameron Ramsey, and Thomas Ramsey. His legacy continues through the laughter and love of his great-grandchildren: Cai, Avyn, Azariah, and Serenity Huegel, Jordyn, Kevin, and Riley Hermann, Lincoln, William, and Michael Miller, Ben Mullins, and Alice Rathe.

His memory will forever be held close by his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Thavuis was preceded in death by his parents, Aurlin and Grace Lewis (née Beaver).

A visitation in honor of Thavuis Lewis will be held on April 18, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Hope Bible Church in O'Fallon, Missouri, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM at the same location.

Memorial contributions in Thavuis' name may be made out to either Righteous Rides online at: www.righteousrides.org

Or to Hope Bible Church online at: www.hopebiblechurch.com 

Although the family grieves the loss of Thavuis here on earth, they take comfort in knowing he is at peace celebrating with his Savior, and they look forward to reuniting with him one day in heaven.