Bill Gene Lewis

Bill Gene Lewis was 95 years old when he passed from away from life on October 14, 2021, to his eternal life in heaven. He spent most of his childhood days living around Portales, New Mexico before heading out to work as a hired hand on many ranches across New Mexico, California and Arizona. He often traveled by foot or train with only his bridle and saddle in hand. Mr. Lewis enjoyed talking about those experiences which included having to sleep in the bunkhouse rafters because there were so many rattlesnakes crawling around on the floor.

In 1954, Mr. Lewis met and married Janice Sue Street in Stanfield, Arizona and together they raised two devoted daughters, Katrina Guinn and Sue Walker.

In the late 60’s and 70’s Mr. Lewis worked at Red River 26 Bar Ranch for actor John Wayne and Louis Johnson. He recalls “Wayne”, as he referred to him, as being a good man and down to earth. Mr. Wayne would sit with Mr. Lewis and other cowboys, “shootin’ the breeze”. He once told Mr. Lewis, “You’re a real cowboy”. That was a great compliment coming from his boss, John Wayne.

Mr. Lewis leaves his family to cherish his memory; Katrina and Clayton Guinn and Sue Walker, both of Seminole, Oklahoma, grandchildren; Kristen and Jeff Ferguson, Jordan, Aaron and Bella, Angela and KC Yott, Dawson, Anna, River, Hannah and Skylar, Brian Moore, Kenzie, Kaylee and Isaiah, Kara Douthit, Madalyn and Jakob and Kelly and Zac Northrip, Jace and Maverick. He also left behind a host of special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice, his parents, three brothers, one sister and one son-in-law, Clint Walker.

Bill would want you to know that God, family and friends are most important and in times of trouble, “get on your best horse and ride like the wind”.

Viewing for Mr. Lewis will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday October 17, 2021, at Swearingen Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m., Monday, October 18, 2021, the Little Cemetery Chapel with Zachary Northrip officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Jace Johnson, Maverick Northrip, Brian Moore, KC Yott, Dawson Andrews and Dylan Parton. Honorary bearers will be Clayton Guinn, Ronnie Krapf, River Nickel and Jakob Douthit.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.