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A memorial service for Rodney Stephen Lewallen, 54, is scheduled for 2 p.m. today, Jan. 5, at Waco Memorial Park Mausoleum in Waco, followed by a service in Abilene.
A final memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 at First Baptist Church in Fort Davis. Mr. Lewallen died Dec. 23, 2007, after a long struggle with hepatitis and liver illness. Although Rodney was painfully missed this Christmas, loved ones found comfort in knowing he departed this earth without the physical pain that could have been, and in time to celebrate the birthday with the one he loved most. He was born Aug. 21, 1953, in Waco to Bettye A. Maxwell Lewallen and Bobby J. Lewallen, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and worked in the Abilene area as the Callahan County chief appraiser for more than 16 years. Rodney especially loved teaching, and was an instructor for Texas Associations of Appraisal Districts throughout the state, winning awards in his field of education. In 2001, while continuing to teach throughout Texas, Rodney retired from his appraiser career to follow his childhood passion of entomology, the study and collection of insects. Rodney moved to the Davis Mountains where he and his brother Greg co-owned and operated an import-export insect business that provided specimens to teachers, universities, museums and fellow collectors around the world. Among Rodney's most treasured memories were those of his expeditions to South America's rain forests along the Amazon where he experienced the beauty of some of God's most glorious creations. His love of entomology led to his love of indigenous peoples and unspoiled environments, wherein he accumulated a fascinating collection of insects and tribal artifacts, while maintaining hope of continued habitat and cultural conservation. Rodney also enjoyed fishing, sports, music and political history, but most important to his heart were family and friends. Rodney was frequently referred to as "El Jefe," an endearing nickname that was a result of his tendency to direct the welfare of those around him. "El Jefe" wanted to take care of everyone, and he most always "knew best." But those who truly knew this grunting ole Leo lion also knew the generous, caring and sensitive teddy bear Rodney really was at heart. Rodney is survived by his wife, Phyllis Arp-Lewallen of Fort Davis; his grandmother, Clover Pearl Maxwell of Hewitt; his mother, Bettye Morris, and husband Jack of Hewitt; two daughters, Melanie Poehls and partner Lindsey Butcher of Richardson, and Lauren Monsey and husband Elwin; granddaughters Arriana and Olivia Monsey, and grandson (due in March), all of San Angelo; brothers Gregory Lewallen and wife Roxann, and Darryl Lewallen and wife Laurel Lynn; nephew Joshua Lewallen and wife Melissa, all of Fort Davis; and many other close relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Lewallen Liver Fund, P.O. Box 1632, Fort Davis TX 79734. The fund was created in 2005 for medical expenses while awaiting Medicare coverage for a liver transplant. The fund will continue to help defer memorial expenses, then will be used for future hepatitis C and liver disease awareness programs, as well as efforts toward legislation reform for people who are uninsured and in need of immediate life-saving medical treatment. For more information, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/rodneylewallen. West Texans love their football From the editor Donkey partisan to meet with parks official cindyperry@alpineavalanche.com From the Los Angeles Times A final memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 at First Baptist Church in Fort Davis. |
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