Whitlock, Lewis Wayne

whitlock_lewis_wayneLewis Wayne Whitlock, age 89, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. Lewis was a member of Stonewall Church of the Brethren. He completed seven years in a one room grade school.

Lewis found a love and passion for farming, which he continued doing until he was no longer physically able to work. Lewis respected and cherished the relationships that were created with his fellow farmers as he would trade, buy, sell or haul their horses and cattle. Lewis was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army before returning back to the farming he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Fred and Della (Lawrence) Whitlock; his son, Melvin Wayne “Buck” Whitlock; and his brother, Sherman Whitlock. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eleanor Ingram Whitlock; his sister, Ruby Ridpath; his two daughters, Sherri W. Martin and husband, Sam, and Anne W. Gearhart and husband, Randell; daughter-in-law Cheryl Whitlock-Allen and husband, Virgel; Eight grandchildren, Lawrence (Patricia) Whitlock, Monica (Kevin) Grubb, Matthew (Christina Simko) Martin, Emily (Aldo) Loya, Brandon Gearhart, Wyatt Gearhart, Shaylee Gearhart and Colby Gearhart; and five great-grandchildren, Garrett Whitlock, Jesse Whitlock, Kearsten Grubb, Collin Grubb and Santiago Loya; many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

The family would like to thank Lewis’ caregivers Nicole and Jennifer, as well as Rhonda, Colleen and Ashley from Good Samaritan Hospice. Their outstanding compassion and care given to him cannot go unnoticed because each one of them became a part of Lewis’ family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Friday, October 14, 2016 at Stonewall Church of the Brethren with pastors Jerry Hylton and Darren Landon officiating. Interment will follow at Stonewall Cemetery in Floyd, VA. Friends may call after 3pm on Thursday October 13, 2016 at Gardner Funeral Home where the family will be from 6-8pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Stonewall Church Building fund c/o Marie Thomas 536 Poor Farm Rd. Floyd, VA. 24091, or Good Samaritan Hospice 1160 Moose Dr, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Online condolences may be made at www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.