Lewis Martin Pridemore

The morning of Tuesday, July 1, 2014, Lewis Martin Pridemore finished his earthly journey at 80 years of age. Services will be held at First Baptist Church, Mountain Grove on Friday, July 11, with Visitation at 4:00 PM and a Celebration of Lewis' Life at 5:00 PM.

October 1, 1933, in Ava, Missouri, Theodore and Hazel Fletcher Pridemore were blessed by the birth of their second son, Lewis Martin. Lewis grew up on the family farm north of Norwood, MO. After graduating from Norwood High School in 1951, Lewis enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1953 and served his country until 1957. Throughout the years, Lewis worked as a bulldozer operator, over-the-road semi-truck driver, and feed truck driver.

On August 1, 1959, Lewis married Brenda Stacy. They enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage together. Lewis and Brenda were blessed with a daughter and three sons. In 2013, they sold their farm to their oldest grandson and moved to town following 49 years of living along Whetstone Creek, west of Mountain Grove.

After Lewis accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior on July 4, 1993, he continued serving the Lord faithfully as a member of the First Baptist Church of Mountain Grove. One of Lewis' greatest desires is that everyone in his family would always put Jesus first in their heart and life.

Through the years, Lewis enjoyed bird hunting, frogging, horse shows, lake trips, traveling and camping in their RV trailer. Spending time with his family was a high priority for Lewis. He enjoyed taking his energetic grandchildren to play in the creek and patiently helped his children fix things or freely offered advice when asked. Following his retirement, Lewis could often be found at McDonald's exchanging stories with friends and family while enjoying a snack or a meal at his favorite restaurant.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother, Albert Doyle. He is survived and dearly loved by his wife, Brenda, and his children: Terrye & Steve Carter of Mtn. Grove, MO, Dan & Tammy Pridemore of Mtn. Grove, MO, Ken & Gloria Pridemore of San Antonio, TX, and Todd & Carolyn Pridemore of Ashland, MO; thirteen grandchildren: John & Ashley, Joel, Jordan, Zachary & Amanda, Nathan & Jessica, Anthony & Danyiel, Ethan, Bethany, Amber, Gregory, Joshua, Andrew and Titus and 6 great-grandchildren: Emilee, Hannah, Kaylee, Westin, MacieMae and MacCoy; his brother, Jerry & Shirley Pridemore, Springfield, MO, his sister, Maryella & Herbert Merritt, Independence, MO, his sister-in-law, Margaret Pridemore, Springfield, MO, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, church friends, and Norwood classmates.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wright-Douglas-Ozark Camp Calvary Pool Fund, First Baptist Church Building Fund, the Gideons, or a charitable organization of your choice in care of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. The family appreciates your prayers as they mourn the loss of a wonderful husband, dad, and grandpa.

Memorial Contributions:
Visitation