Ralph V. Lewis, Sr.

The world and the Kansas automotive industry has lost a great man. On April 22, 2016 Ralph V. Lewis, Sr. of Topeka, KS and Pelican Lake, MN, went to heaven at the age of 93 after battling a short illness in Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Elizabeth Lewis, his brothers, Charles and Orville Lewis, and his son, John Lewis. We are certain John was there to greet him at the pearly gates and to assure he was actually allowed in! Ralph was born in Silver Lake, Kansas on December 21, 1922. He served in the Marines during WWII. After the marines he sold used cars and founded Lewis Toyota in North Topeka in 1968. After retiring from the car business, Ralph started the North Topeka Golf Center in 2002. He is survived by his amazing wife of 70 years, Fawna Mae, Crosslake, MN, along with sons, Ralph, Jr. aka. Louie (Linda) Merrifield, MN, Jim (Tonya)Dodge City, KS, Rod (Sheila) Burnsville, MN, daughter, Sandi Lindquist (John) Eden Prairie, MN, and daughter-in-law, Karen Lewis, Topeka, KS. He also left 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

In addition to his family, he left behind the legacy of Lewis Automotive, several antique cash registers, three half empty bottles of red wine, a tin of Skoal, and a tremendous accumulation of other 'stuff'. Most importantly, he left behind more memories than anyone could count, as well as many important life lessons. These include but are not limited to, always wash behind your ears, learn to drive a stick shift, take good care of your customers and they will take good care of you, and while there is never an end to your wants, there is always an end to your needs. Ralph also taught many things to his family and friends through his actions. Such as drink a little red wine and stretch your body every morning, duct tape can fix anything, always chew with your mouth open, and most importantly give much to those that have little.

We hope in heaven he finally catches 'a big one' and gets a 'hole in one'! Instead of a funeral, Ralph wishes were to be cremated and for a Celebration of Life in his honor. This celebration will be held Friday, May 6th at 10:00am at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608. His ashes will then be split between a Toyota carburetor and his beloved Pelican Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Salvation Army, 1320 SE 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66607 or the Pelican Lake Association, PO Box 823, Nisswa, MN 56468.

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