Leman Lewis was born on July 25, 1943, in Okmulgee to McKinley Teet Lewis and Bertha (Bodry) Lewis, marking the beginning of an extraordinary life. He graduated from Okmulgee Dunbar High School with the Class of 1963 and proudly served his country in the United States Army. Leman furthered his education at Okmulgee Technical College, earning a degree in Auto Repair and Auto Tune-Up, setting the stage for a successful career.
In 1964, Leman married Carol Lee Wallace, and together they had five children, sharing 17 years of marriage. He later married Yvonne Daniels, and they spent two years together.
As a devoted man of faith, Leman dedicated 35 years to pastoring Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Holdenville. His service also extended to Eastside Baptist, Macedonia Baptist and New Salem churches, where he served as both Deacon and Associate Minister.
Leman’s professional journey spanned nearly four decades at Harlan Motor Company, where he rose from Technician to Automotive Service Manager, retiring in 2011. Leman’s impact extended far beyond his work and ministry. As a former President and long-time member of the Dunbar All School Association, he served for over 20 years. In 2015, he founded Landmark for All Generations, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Oklahoma’s first ‘colored hospital,’ a testament to his enduring legacy.
Leman was preceded in death by his beloved July 25, 1943 – May 27, 2025
parents, McKinley T. and Bertha Lewis, and his sisters Ethel Mary Ann Merritt, Betty Jean Wilson, Joann Lewis, Diane Lewis Ross and Angela Lewis.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, faith and service. He is survived by his five children: Jackie Lewis of Arlington, Texas, Dyan Wilson of Okmulgee, Leman (Delia) Lewis, Jr. of Jenks, Robert (Jillian) Lewis of McKinney, Texas and Kelli Lewis of Arlington, Texas. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, his sister Rolinda Collins of Okmulgee and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
You may visit Pastor Lewis as he slumbers in peaceful repose in the Chapel of Peace of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. of Okmulgee on Friday, June 6, 2025, between the hours of 2-6 p.m.
The celebratory service honoring the life and service of Pastor Lewis will commence Saturday morning, June 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the most holy sanctuary of St. Matthew’s Baptist Church. Senior pastor Rev. McKinley Rice will preside.
The final salute will take place Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025, beginning promptly at 11 a.m. at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, with military honors.
