Graveside services for David Dave Lewis, 68, of Chickasha, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2021 in the Ninnekah Cemetery.
David Dave Lewis was born in Gallup, New Mexico. He died Saturday, August 14, 2021 in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
David grew up on a Navajo Indian Reservation at the Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home. As a senior in high school, he met a couple, John and Wanda Slater, that had come to work at the home for a year. He connected with them and came to Oklahoma to stay with them. They became parents and mentors to David. He began working in the oilfield, following John’s example, and since that time has worked his way up in the ranks of the oil and gas industry.
He was a skilled and talented artist and from a young age was recognized for his drawings. He would get lost in his art and drew inspiration from his upbringing and culture.
David also showed his passion in other hobbies. He built and raced his own stock cars for several years and he enjoyed Tae Kwon Do. He was an avid bowler and could be found many nights a week at the bowling alley, even competing in competitions in Las Vegas and Reno.
He never forgot his heritage and would travel to New Mexico once a year to participate in the annual Navajo Ceremonies.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Slater.
Survivors include his biological mother, Mary (Davidson) Nez; brothers Robert Lewis, Mike Lewis, Jimmy Lewis; mother Wanda Slater of Tishomingo; step-daughter Misty Jenkins and husband Chris of Ninnekah; granddaughter Holly Jenkins; brothers John and Joe Slater and sisters Jackie Slater, Judy Slater and Jeannie Martin; niece Vickey Mannie; and many other extended family and friends.
Services are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.