Funeral Services for Noel “Dick” Wayborn Lewis, Age 89 of Warsaw, Missouri will be held on Monday, November 9th, 2026 at The Barker Funeral Home, Salem, Arkansas, beginning at 2:00 PM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place in The Wiseman Cemetery, Wiseman, Arkansas.
Noel “Dick” Wayborn Lewis, 89, of Warsaw, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Gainesville, Missouri. Dick was born November 19, 1936, to Arby Woods Lewis and Verna Flossie (Fout) Lewis in Hand, Arkansas.
Dick Lewis was a man who loved his family, his country, his horses, and the simple pleasures in life. He had a strong independent spirit, a love for the Western way of life, and a determination that was hard to match. He loved horses, rodeos, and just about anything that could be done under a cowboy hat.
The greatest love of Dick’s life was his wife, Dottie, who preceded him in death in December 2015.
Dick cherished his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In June 2023, he was baptized in the creek at Thornfield, Missouri, by Jim Kyle as a public profession of his faith.
Dick proudly served his country in the United States Army. His patriotism was something he carried with him throughout his life. He was instrumental in starting the Freedom Riders horseback program in 2015, which honored all branches of the military, including prisoners of war and those missing in action.
He was also very proud of his membership at Shawnee Lodge #653 in Warsaw, Missouri, where he was a Master Mason raised on June 9, 1992. He also served as Worshipful Master twice and multiple offices in his Lodge. He was a 33-degree Scottish Rite and an active member of the Shriners. Through the Lodge Dick was also instrumental in starting the handicapped deer hunt in 1992, helping provide hunting opportunities for individuals with disabilities. He was also actively involved in planning the annual Benton County Rodeo, another way he shared his love of horses, rodeos, and community.
After suffering a stroke in 2013, Dick wasn’t about to let that keep him out of the saddle. Determined to continue riding, he taught his horse, Bandit, to lie down so he could get on and ride. That was Dick. When he wanted to do something, he found a way!
Dick also loved watching the younger generation of his family compete in rodeos. In April 2025, at the age of 88, he traveled to Stephenville, Texas, to watch his great-nephew Jackson compete in team roping. He traveled to countless rodeos making more friends along the way and inspiring with his perseverance. On two separate summers in July, he traveled to Guthrie, Oklahoma, for the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo to cheer on his niece Hadley and nephew Jackson as they competed, and his niece Emory as she sang the National Anthem.
Family meant so much to Dick. He dearly loved his brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. He took pride in their accomplishments, enjoyed their company, and made the effort to be part of their lives.
Throughout his life, Dick was blessed with countless friends who helped him continue doing the things he loved. Special thanks go to Jerry and Kathy Downs for keeping his beloved horse Bandit nearby. And dear friends Melissa Slavens and Pam Grobe.
The family would also like to express heartfelt appreciation to Missy Foster for her help to Dick and his family while he was in Gainesville. And the staff that cared for him at Gainesville Healthcare Center.
Dick leaves behind a legacy of love, commitment and service.
Dick is survived by his brother, Melvin Dean “Pete” Lewis (Kay) of Sturkie, Arkansas; two sisters, Anita Mae Warden of Ash Flat, Arkansas, and Marsha Diane Lewis of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; two sisters-in-law, Helen Rea of Warsaw, Missouri and Carolyn Lewis of Sturkie, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife (Dottie Lewis), parents (Woods and Verna Lewis), three brothers (Bill, Noble, and Kenneth), two brothers-in-law (Lee Rea and Larry Kimbrell), and sister-in-law (Mary Lewis).
