Lewis Allen Mankins Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Lewis “Pa” Mankins passed away peacefully December 4, 2017 with his family by his side at the age of 91. He was born in Coalwood, West Virginia the third son of the late Claude and Mary Mankins. Lewis proudly served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during WWII. Lewis moved to Montana in 1951 with the love of his life (Betty) and young son to start a new career in the Butte copper mines. He later went to work for many years at Taylor-MacDonald Construction and retired from Stauffer Chemical. Lewis was a proud member of the Centerville Fire Department for over 25 years. Lewis and Betty would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this Christmas Eve. During retirement Lewis enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends, making log beds with his sons and tending his gardens. He took great pride in the size of the potatoes and tomatoes he could grow up on the hill and was featured in multiple articles in the local newspaper. There was nothing that Lewis didn’t try or couldn’t grow in his garden and always donated fresh vegetables to the food bank. Lewis never forgot the family he left behind; he stayed close with his parents and eight brothers of which only three survive (Herbert, Bob and Blaine Mankins). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years Betty in 2014; brothers Dayton, Walter, Glen, Marvin and Ray Mankins. Left to cherish his memory are: son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Sharon Mankins, daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Bill Randall, son and late daughter-in-law, Mark and Lisa Mankins, grandchildren, Kristine (Chad) Carpenter, Eric (Jennifer) Mankins, Kara (Jake) Herron, Brent Rognstad, Ashley Rognstad, Derek Skipper, Regan (Brian) Bartholomew, Michele (Tony) Mankins, Larissa Durkin, Great-grandchildren include: Makenna and Maiya Carpenter, Kya and Braydon Rognstad, Harper Herron, Karisma and Samantha Bartholomew, Devon Mankins. The family would like to thank Highlands Hospice and Genesis for caring for Lewis during the last phase of his life. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Highlands Hospice. Be not burdened with times of sorrow; I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow, My life’s been full, I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

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Lewis Allen Mankins

March 14, 1926 - December 4, 2017