Opal May (Wastel) Lewis
Jan. 30, 1923 to Jan. 16, 2011
Opal May (Wastel) Lewis, 87 of Anderson, passed away January 16, 2011 at home, following an extended illness. She was born in Richmond, IN on January 30, 1923, the daughter of Lawrence and Mabel (Borders) Wastel. They moved to Anderson in 1928 where she graduated from Anderson High School with the class of 1941.
She was an operator for Indiana Bell Telephone from 1942 to 1949, placing many calls to Military Personnel during World War II. She had special clearance to set up conference alls between Washington and Delco Remy personnel during the War.
Opal married Carl E. Lewis on October 17, 1947, a marine serving in W.W. II. They were married for 48 years until his death in 1995. She was a "stay at home mom", raising their daughter and two sons. She was active in the College Corner School PTO and Cub Scout Pack 240. She also helped organize Boy Scout Troop 240 and a Women's Auxiliary for the troop, both sponsored by Bethany Christian Church.
She was a member of New Horizons United Methodist Church, (formerly Noble Street United Methodist Church), for over sixty years. She was active in the United Methodist Women and the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary. She and her husband Carl were charter members of the Upper White River Archaeology Society of Central Indiana, sponsored by Ball State University and served as Secretary Treasurer since 1985.
She is survived by her daughter Nancy J. Walker of Monterey, TN, sons Carl Daniel Lewis (friend Kristine) of Canyon Lake, TX; and Christopher E. Lewis (wife Marilyn) of Anderson, grandson, Jasper E. (Trina) Lewis of Lawrenceburg, TN; great granddaughters, Lindsey and Tiffany Lewis of Columbia, TN also surviving, step grandchildren Mark (Cassondra) Baker, Evan (Jenny) Baker and Jay (Precious) Baker, step great-grandchildren, Ileeah, Nevaeh and Liam, sister-in-law: Eileen Lewis of Anderson and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carl E. Lewis in 1995, three sisters, a baby brother, four brothers-in-law, one niece, four nephews, four great-nieces, one great-nephew and one great great-nephew.
She loved all of her church friends and the J.P. Girls. She would like them to share in her "Celebration of Life" service.
Service will be on Thursday, January 20 at 1 pm at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Pastor Karen Powell officiating. Friends may call on Wednesday, January 19 from 3-7 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to New Horizons United Methodist Church.
E-mail condolences may be sent to [email protected].