Roy F. Lewis

Roy Franklin Lewis was born July 4, 1934 in La Mesa, New Mexico, and passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011. Roy was a well known baseball player who started his career in Las Cruces. He played for several teams including some professional organizations, and later became head baseball coach at Sul Ross State University. In the year 2000, he was inducted into the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1974, Roy began his career with State Farm Insurance Companies in Silver city, New Mexico, after marrying Ramona Doolittle who was his wife for 43 years. He distinguished himself as one of the top agents in the state. He was appointed by Jim McMullen after a recommendation by New Mexico Governor Jerry Apodaca. Chuck Wright, State Farm retired Senior Executive Vice President, was also instrumental in Roy's growing career.

During his time in Silver City, Roy helped others become State Farm agents. Among them were Larry Sifuentes, an agent in Phoenix, Robert Maldonado in Los Alamos, and Gus Gandara in Las Cruces. Then in 1980, Roy moved with his wife Ramona to El Paso to replace retiring agent Gene Anderson. Steve Meitler was the Agency Manager. Roy was a very successful agent from the beginning. He qualified for virtually every award offered including Crystal of Excellence, and he became a member of the prestigious President's Club because he consistently ranked in the top 50 of 17,000 State Farm agents in the nation. He set the example in every aspect of the business and was highly regarded among his peers. One thing that distinguished him was his ability to run a successful business and develop an outstanding staff. Shortly after moving to El Paso, Roy joined the Downtown Rotary Club, where he was an excellent member for over 20 years. As a Circle of Life Society Member, he in turn gave life to the Rotary Club by sponsoring Tom Holmsley, George Drake and Thania Drake. He was also a committeeman for Celebrity Chef and the Children's Christmas Party. In addition, Roy was a member of the Five Points Association. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Martin Funeral Home West. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Rotary Club of El Paso Foundation, 200 S. Alto Mesa, El Paso, Texas, 79912. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com