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Lewis Vernon Cummings was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on May 21, 1925. He passed away peacefully on Jan 22, 2007. His parents were Mae and Charles Cummings.
Lewis began working at age 12 unloading boxcars, but still graduated from Henryetta high school in 1943. He enlisted in the Navy on 5-25-43. He served as a pharmacist's mate on the USS Mindanao, a repair ship that was anchored in the Harbor of Manus Island, Philippines on Nov 10, 1944. The ammunition ship Mt. Hood exploded while anchored 100 yards from the Mindanao which was riddled with holes from the shrapnel. Hundreds of men died in an instant. Lewis survived, but woke up in a hospital several days later with little memory of the horrifying events of that day.
Upon honorable discharge from the service he enrolled at University of Oklahoma where he studied pharmacy and pre-med. Unable to afford medical school he graduated from the school of pharmacy and began his career. While still in college he began dating the love of his life- Joy Ann Hudman a recent graduate of Stephens College. They were married on Dec 24, 1948 in Henryetta by his good friend Ross Silvey.
In 1952 Lewis and Joy moved to California and by 1953 He owned Bell Drugs, a pharmacy he operated for 25 years in Bell, Ca. They raised four children during that time. Jack, Susan, Lisa, and John. Lewis was active in the So. Calif Pharmaceutical Assoc. serving as board member, and president. He was active in Lion's Club for over 50 years, helping with innumerable charity events in So. Ca and in Mt. Shasta where they moved in 1977. Lewis continued working as a pharmacist for Thrifty Drugs until his retirement in 1998. He continued doing volunteer work at the fish hatchery, and Lion's club projects along with taking care of his grandkids.
Lewis was the kindest, gentlest, most humble and honest man that you could have the honor to meet. He was also one of the bravest. The tragic loss of his granddaughter Sacha in 2002 affected him deeply, the welfare and happiness of his family being foremost. As his weakened heart and failing health robbed him of his vitality he maintained a positive and cheerful outlook, never complained and never cursed his fate or his fellow man. The last expression he made was a smile at his nurse. His last words were I Love You and Thank you. He was preceded in death by his brothers Harold, Charles, Earl, and Homer and granddaughter Sacha Marino. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Joy, children Jack, Susan, Lisa, and John. Grandchildren Donnie Cummings, Joseph Cummings, Jonathon Lewis Cummings. Elyse Ledger-Thomas, Matthew Thomas, Aimee Marino, Doug Marino. Greatgrandchildren Ezekiel Cummings, Shylo Cummings, Trevor Cummings, Andrew Cummings, Emily Cummings, Caleb Marino, Travis Harnos, Sydney Harnos, Andrew Ledger-Thomas. His ashes will be interred next to his beloved granddaughter Sacha. A Memorial Service was held in Mt. Shasta at the Hope Evangelical Methodist Church 974 Lassen Lane at 2:00 p.m. Thursday. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Lion's Club would be appreciated.
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