Lloyd Kermet Lewis

Lloyd Kermet Lewis, 88, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at his home in Aztec. He was born March 1, 1922, in State College (Las Cruces), the third child of Alice Melissa (Bloomfield) and Gilbert Vernon Lewis. During his formative years, the family lived in Ramah and Blackrock near Zuni. The family eventually settled in Ramah, where Lloyd completed his schooling. As an older teen and into adulthood Lloyd was known for his musical talents, and was often asked to play is four-string banjo for gatherings and dances. he was also know for his dashing good looks, his strength and his work ethic. In 1942, he met and married Evelyn Scott. To this union four children were born. The marriage ended in divorce and Lloyd took full responsibility for raising his children. In 1960, he met and married Anita "Nida" Hastings Jones. To this union was born two sons. During World War II, Lloyd served his country primarily in the China-Burma-India theater of operations, serving as a Buck Sergeant doing photography and as a radio operator. he was a member of the famous Army Air Force Flying Tigers and the 35th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron. He loved playing first base for his military baseball team. During his working years, Lloyd worked at a variety of jobs including driving a propane truck, working in various position at Getchell Mine, Nev., running a trading post in Fort Defiance, Ariz., and driving heavy equipment. Before retirement, Lloyd worked about 24 years for both Transwestern and Texas Natural Gas. He was an excellent mechanic and spent many years in the gas patch in the Texas Panhandle managing a gas field that encompassed about 250 miles, which he dove most days to take pressures and check engines. He retired to Durango in 1984. In 1993, Lloyd and Nida moved to Aztec, where Lloyd was an avid gardener. The joy of his life was to raise BIG produce; tomatoes that weighed more than a pound and a half, and 13-pound cabbages. He also collected music and re-recorded it from vinyl, 8-track and cassette to CDs, just to give away. He enjoyed his pet dogs, Noodles and Punky, and the company they gave him. he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was a member of the High Priest Group of the Aztec First Ward.He had a prickly exterior but he could also be caring, generous and helpful in his own way. He loved his family and never lost his concern for them, even though he never was much on giving praise or showing love, as he received little of either in his formative years. Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister, Idelle and her husband, Joe Nicoll; older brother, Cecil Lewis and his wife, Lila; two brothers who died at birth; brother-in-law, Alden Lambson; and step-mother, Elizabeth M. Lewis. He is survived by his spouse of 50 years, Anita Francis "Nida" Hastings Lewis; children, Lloyd K. (Linda) Lewis Jr., of Montrose, Colo., Dave M. (Sandy) Lewis of Hesperus, Colo., Priscilla E. Orr of El Mirage, Ariz., G. Tracy (Dixie) Lewis of Springville, Utah, Douglas R. (Randy) (Sanien) Lewis of Durango, Colo., Levi A. (Sandra) Lewis of Antonio, Texas; 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, Garland P. (Lurlene) Lewis, James Rankin (Lucille) Lewis, both of Ramah; sisters, Dorothy Lambson, of Ramah, and Afton (Loni) Fisher or Blanding, Utah; and stepbrother, Charles A. (Dolly) McVey of Reno, Nev. The family expresses their love and appreciation to all who have contributed to Lloyd's care these past several years. Viewing will be held from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Aztec First Ward, 505 N. Oliver St. in Aztec. The service will be under the direction of Bishop Heber Henke. Interment will be in the Aztec City Cemetery with dedication of the grave by G. Tracy Lewis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lloyd's name may be made to Basin Home Health Hospice, 200 N. Orchard Ave., Farmington, NM 87401, or to the charity of choice. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute St. Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688