Robert Franklin “Bob” Lewis, age 92, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, in Queen City, Missouri. He was born on April 25, 1933, in Edina, Missouri.

Bob was the youngest of twelve children born to Clifford and Mary (Tully) Lewis and was the last surviving sibling. Growing up in Edina, he worked alongside his brothers and sisters on the family dairy farm, learning the value of hard work at an early age.

He attended Edina Public Schools and graduated from Edina High School with the Class of 1951. He went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army and attended engineering school in Fort Belvoir, VA. He served as a Corporal during the Korean War in Seoul, Korea, followed by eight years in the Army Reserve. During his military service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal, and was also honored by the State of Missouri and the United States of America for his service.

On October 11, 1958, he married the love of his life, Ella Mae Schrage, in La Plata, Missouri. Together, they built a life centered on family and raised four children: Robert Franklin Lewis Jr., Donald Ray Lewis, James Richard Lewis, and Kathleen Kay Cavanagh.

When the boys were young, Bob studied electrical engineering and worked as a lineman for the Union Electric Company. A year after the birth of their daughter Kathleen, Bob and Ella Mae purchased their own dairy farm, where they built a life rooted in hard work and dedication. Over the years, Bob—with the help of his wife and children—raised livestock and farmed wheat, corn, soybeans, and milo, taking great pride in the land he cared for. In addition to farming, he hauled limestone throughout Knox County to help support his family, often working long hours into the evening and doing whatever it took to get the job done.

Bob was a man of many talents—someone who could fix or drive just about anything. He had a deep love for farming and the outdoors. Whether working the land, checking crops on his “mule” ATV, maintaining his collection of tractors and equipment, or tending to his garden, he found joy in the honest work of the American farmer. As recently as this past summer, he was still mowing his acreage and helping his son Bob Jr. in the field—often in his favorite tractor.

In his younger years, Bob had a spirited and adventurous side. He enjoyed driving race cars and sharing laughter and mischief with his siblings, especially his sister Catherine (“Sissy”) and brother Bill. He also shared a close bond with his nephew, Davy Songer, and the two enjoyed attending local races together. Bob often recalled a serious accident near Edina in which his car was totaled but, by what he believed was the power of prayer and God’s protection, everyone walked away unharmed.

Over the years, he cherished time spent with family in Montana at the Lewis/Sanderson ranch, where he rode horses, helped with cattle drives, and visited with relatives. It was there he developed a love for Australian Cattle Dogs—especially one named Cher, a favorite of his.

Bob loved hunting and fishing and took great pride in growing a large garden of fruits and vegetables. He was also a natural athlete who enjoyed many sports. Even into his late 50s, he could be found playing basketball at Brashear High School, holding his own against much younger players. In his later years, he enjoyed golfing in his backyard.

He was an avid reader who enjoyed books, magazines, and especially his brother Bill’s articles in the Edina Sentinel newspaper. He also enjoyed working Sudoku puzzles, watching westerns, and listening to music. Bob was an ardent sports fan who followed the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City Chiefs.

Bob was a devout Christian and, when able, attended Brashear Community Bible Church. His faith was a guiding force throughout his life. He often spoke with gratitude about a life-threatening experience during his service in Korea, believing God spared not only his life but also the lives of nearby civilians. He was a strong man who never knew a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed visiting with family, especially his sisters-in-law Barbara Weber and Ruth Schrage, and sharing stories with his niece Colleen Brinkmeyer. He had an ornery sense of humor, loved animals—especially dogs and cats—and dearly loved all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Bob also passed on his deep sense of dedication to his children. As his health declined, his son Bobby stayed with him at home, while his son Don and daughter Kathleen, along with her husband Tom, came alongside to help care for him. Though his son Jim was unable to travel due to his own health challenges, he offered encouragement and support, reflecting the strong family bond Bob instilled in them.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ella Mae Lewis, who passed on June 13, 2018.

He was a proud grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Travis, Hilary, Joe, Jason, Donnie, Rob, Jocelyn, Chelsea, James, Jonathan, Ashton, Lauren, Brandon, and Thomas. He was also a cherished great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren—Brooklyn, Bentley, Halstyn, and Harlow—with one more great-granddaughter on the way.

Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Playle-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the same location, with burial to follow at Parkview Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Travis Lewis, James Lewis, Donnie Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, Brandon Jeffries, Rob Lewis, and Thomas Cavanaugh. Honorary pallbearers are Jason White and Kyle Kitzsteiner.

Bob leaves behind a lasting legacy of hard work, love, and dedication—a life well lived. The land he loved, the family he raised, and the life he built will forever carry his spirit. Bob will always be in the hearts of his family and those who knew him well.