Frank Allen Lewis, Sr.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my brother Frank Allen Lewis.  Frank began his heavenly journey on May 25, 2023.  He was born February 15, 1950 in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he lived his entire life.  He leaves this world at the age of 73 years due to struggling for many years with heart disease.

On August 30th 1969,  Frank married his high school sweetheart the former Glenda McNatt.  During their 53 years of marriage Frank and Glenda brought three beautiful children into the world.  Their two sons Frank Allen Lewis Jr. of Tulsa, Robert Allen Lewis of Tulsa and one daughter Maria Ann Lewis Martinez of Tulsa. These loving children gave them eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.  Frank and Glenda became known as Nanny and PaPa and they doted on all of them. When they had a family gathering there was never a dull moment nor a quiet moment. Lots of fun times for sure.

Frank began his working career at the young age of 17 in the Paint and Body Industry.  He was very diligent in doing his jobs to perfection.  He did amazing work.  Due to his heart condition he retired in 2011.

Now he would be able to do all of the things that he had not had the time for when he was working.  He was an avid Harley rider.  He sure did love his Harleys owning several of them throughout the years.    He would spend hours washing and polishing them and making them shine to the point that you could see your reflection in them.  He liked all kinds of music and would often pick up one of his guitars and play it for hours. He was self-taught and could play many different kinds of music. He never had to go far to get one as there was always one in the living room and one in the family room.  Always one within his reach. The weekends were always filled with watching the Nascar races on TV. He enjoyed being outside doing yard work and making flower beds or planting shrubbery. He would always have tomato plants growing too.  What he enjoyed most was the time he spent with Glenda.  They could be seen every evening walking hand-in-hand strolling around the block in their neighbor hood.  They would make frequent stops along the way chatting with neighbors that they had become acquainted with over the years. A favorite pass time of Frank’s was when him and Glenda would go on their road trips.  They would drive to Arkansas and Branson just taking their time enjoying all the different sights along the way.  They often went to the Fin and Feather Resort, to Turner Falls, Bell Star Lodge, Robbers Cave and often would take the Scenic Talimena Drive to see the changing colors of the season.  Lots of good times were had at the Blue Grass Festivals and the Blues-Bike-and BBQ festivals, and he loved the motorcycle swap meets.    If you were out somewhere and you would run into Frank and Glenda both because they were always together, you would be greeted with How are you doing?,  good to see you, how’s your family, your kids doing okay?,  he would always ask about everyone.  Always had a smile, would shake your hand or give you a nice pat on the back or a hug. And with every visit and every phone conversation that Frank would have with his family he always ended it with  “We love you”. 

Frank would tell you that he had a good life, a loving family and that he was a happy man.  It has only been the last two years that a drastic decline in his health began.  During that time he gradually began losing the use of his legs and eventually lost the ability to walk.  Frank endured many tests, procedure’s and several surgeries, all of which resulted in his inability to ever walk again.  Of course he was devastated.

But through it all he remained the Frank that everyone loved and enjoyed being around.  His love for life, his family and friends, his infectious laughter and smile still remained.  He never stopped being the  “ Franko” that everyone loved.  Frank was preceded in death by his Mother and Father Betty and Clint Lewis and his Brother Elbert Lewis. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Glenda and I want to say a sincere Thank You to some very special people who helped aid in caring for Frank during his most difficult times.  First of all to Glenda’s two brothers Sonny and Rick McNatt who always made themselves available when needed.  They were just a phone call away.  To her sister and brother-n-law Bobbie and Keith Fry who showed up un-expectably with wonderful food that was so appreciated.  Her grandsons Kory and James were such a big help in keeping up the yard work and other things.  Her granddaughter Alexis for the food and always lending a hand when needed.  As for her family last but certainly not least her daughter Maria and her son Frank Jr.  who never left their Mother’s side and helped care for their Dad with the upmost patience and love.

With sincere appreciation we want to thank River Cross Hospice.  Not only did they give Frank the best of care but they did it while making sure to respect his dignity at all times. They were also very supportive of his family. To Chaplain Jimmy Foreman thank you for your thoughtfulness and your prayers. Frank is survived by his wife Glenda, his three children Frank Jr, Robert and Maria and his sister Barbara Pridemore of Inola, Oklahoma.

When I said goodbye to my brother for the last time I told him to take these words with him as he began his new Journey: “ Heaven awaits you, you are free from all of the pain and suffering that you endured.  Your legs are healed so go now and Walk in the Rain and Run with the Wind at your back and Climb every Mountain.  You have gained your Wings so go with the Angels and Fly ever so high.  Know that you leave this life with the never-ending love of your family and me.  May God grant you Peace for all Eternity.”

In honor of Frank’s wishes there will be no viewing or service.   Donations may be made to the American Heart Association in his memory.

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