James Harold Lewis

Submitted by: Ann Weber
©Smith Gallo Funeral Home

Mulhall native, James Harold Lewis, went to His Saviors House on August 26, 2020, with all four of his kids by his side.

Harold was born on December 23, 1934, in Mulhall, OK, to Lincoln and Dorothy Lewis. As their one and only child, he had 3 cousins that were more like brothers. His father was a farmer/rancher, school bus driver and insurance agent, and his mother was a true chef for the schools cafeteria. Harold was involved in many activities at Mulhall High School, playing on the basketball team, Band, FFA, and the local Round-up Club, with his trick pony. This was in addition to helping on the family farm.

Harold bled orange; after graduating from Mulhall HS, he went onto Oklahoma A&M (now OSU) and obtained his Bachelors in Education, next he enlisted in Army Reserve and Finally pursued his Masters at Southeastern State (Durant) in Master of Teaching Mathematics.

He began his teaching career in Tulsa in 1956 and then moved to Ponca City the following year. He started teaching at East Jr. High and then was one of the original teachers at the brand new West Jr. High, when it opened. These original teachers developed a close bond that resulted in life-long friendships. He taught math and was the 9th grade basketball coach. He also assisted with several other sports. Harold was one of the old school type coaches that believed in discipline and hard work, was tough on the kids and they loved it, because they knew he cared about them. He bonded with many of his former athletes and could remember almost all that ever played for him. Coaching was a true joy to him. Harold later became the principal at West Jr. High and served in that role for many years, until his retirement

He also loved to quail hunt with his Dad and they pretty much had permission to hunt everywhere in Logan County, OK. Fishing trips with his coaching buddies was also another favorite activity. Another favorite pastime was to be on the golf course (but he could never beat Scott or Brad); however, he would always win on the 19th hole!

Harold had a way of never meeting a stranger. He had so many stories to tell, that you would need more than one visit to get through. Hats of many he wore; other than his primary occupation as an educator/administrator in Ponca City, OK. Refereeing High School basketball games all over central Oklahoma, an amateur magician, house painter (there are more stories here that still need to be told), Veteran of Army Reserves, tutor at the American Legion Childrens Home in Ponca City, OK, grain elevator hand, and part time farm hand. Teachers always have a second job.

On October 11, 1991, Harold married Carla Adams, who has two sons Curtis and Casey. They started their journey in Tulsa, OK, then continued their journey onto Mulhall, Stillwater, Bristow, Gallup, NM, Yukon and found their final destination in Sapulpa, OK.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents Lincoln and Dorothy Lewis, step-son Casey Bussett and grandson Pyt Bales.

Harold is survived by his wife Carla Lewis; four children, Scott and Brenda Lewis, Michele and J.R. Bales, Brad and Mikael Lewis, Kim Aguirre, step-son Curtis Bussett and daughter-in-law Crystal Busset. He is also survived by his grandkids, Ashley and Stuart Lamb, Alyson Lewis, Abbey and Ben Risenhoover, Ali Stephens, Toni Bales, Robert Bales, Todd Bales, Kelby Bales, McCandren and Clayton Mack, Lincoln Lewis, Kyle and Jordan Crilly, Andrew Crilly, Nickolas Bussett, Kaleb Bussett, Bryce Bussett, Austin Bussett, Madeline Bussett and Meredith Busset. Also surviving him are great-Grandchildren, Avery Mack, Sydney Lamb, Hannah, Lamb and David Lamb, cousin Gerald Chambers, and, so, so many family friends, colleagues, students and athletes.

Harold had a great life that touched many. He will be missed but, lovingly remembered!

Private family funeral services will be held. The family would like to invite friends to join them at his graveside service at 11:50 A.M., Monday, August 31, 2020 at Roselawn Cemetery in Mulhall. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.

Visitation will be held Sunday, 3:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Mulhall-Orlando Foundation, 2198 CR 68, Mulhall, OK 73063.

He was the BEST DAD EVER!!!!