Lewis Augustus Hembree

Lewis Augustus Hembree passed away on February 17, 2022 at his home in Shawnee, Oklahoma surrounded by family and friends. Visitation will be Saturday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Services will be 1:00 PM Monday, February 21, 2022 at Northridge Church of Christ. Lewis was born October 28, 1930 in Maud, Oklahoma to Bill and Fern (Ogee) Hembree. He had one brother, Ron Hembree. He graduated from Hereford High School in Hereford, Texas and later earned a degree in Horology (watchmaking). He worked with his father at the family’s jewelry store in Hereford, Texas and later Marshall, Texas. Lewis was a member of the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955. His first post in Japan was direct support for the instruments on planes flown between Japan and Korea. Lewis served as a liaison for the Air Force to the orphanage in Tokyo, Japan. After a meeting with Emperor Hirohito, Lewis was instrumental in getting the American-Japanese children admitted to the orphanage. During his three years in Japan, it was Lewis’ job to help keep public relations with the Japanese at its best. After his military service, Lewis returned to Marshall, Texas and married Jeanie Fawcett in 1957. The two were married for 34 years and had three sons: Bradley Lewis, Bart Rodley and Brit William. Lewis enjoyed coaching his sons’ youth sports and leading their Cub Scout troop when they were young. He started an oil production company with his father in 1961 and eventually built his own successful oil business. Lewis married Joan E. (Grimes) Daniel on October 2, 1992. Lewis and Joan have a wonderfully unique love story that dates back to 1954. While on leave in San Antonio in 1954, Lewis met Joan for the first time and the two were engaged twice between 1954 and 1956. As evidence that true love never ends, Lewis and Joan found their way back to each other after the loss of their former spouses. He and Joan were married for 29 years and made their home in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Lewis was a loving and generous father, step-father, grandfather “Grumpy”, great-grandfather, uncle, friend and neighbor. He is preceded in death by his father, Bill; mother, Fern; brother, Ron, and two sons, Brad and Bart. He is survived by his wife, Joan; son Brit (Amber) Hembree; step-daughters, Karen Chase and Kellie (Ken) Godbey; step-son Kenneth (Traci) Daniel; 9 grandchildren, April (Rick) McCaslin; Blaze Hembree; Jill (Craig) Jackson; Hutch Hembree; Hollyn Hembree; Danna Guess; Joey (Frankie) Guess; Courtney (Mason) Chance; Anna Martin; Justin (Tayler) Daniel; Emily Stanley; Jonathan Daniel; John-Michael Stanley; and 15 great-grandchildren. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the years of compassionate, dedicated service to Ronnie Brookover and Roxie Beggs. Additional appreciation is expressed to Chris Jones, Tim Robinson and Rick McCaslin for their selfless support in our greatest time of need.