Max Lewis

Max W. Lewis, 92, of Gas, Kansas, passed away on September 7, 2026.

Max was born March 27, 1934, in Mildred, Kansas, to Edna (Brown) and Paul Lewis. He grew up in Iola alongside his siblings, Delbert, Doris, and Paul A. From an early age, Max had the sense of humor that would stay with him throughout his life. He was known for being silly and for tormenting his siblings, beginning a lifetime of making the people around him laugh.

Max graduated from Iola High School and went on to become a familiar face to generations of families throughout Iola and the surrounding communities. He owned and operated several family shoe stores, locally known as Dryer's Shoes. Max took great pride in serving his community, and fitting someone with the right pair of shoes was something he knew better than just about anyone. His philosophy of retail was simple and memorable: "If they come in the door, sell them something!"

On July 22, 1958, Max married Lavonne Dahlstrom in Iola. Together they shared 66 years of marriage before Lavonne's passing in 2024. They built a life centered around family, hard work, and the kind of love that was often shown through simply being there for one another.

Max was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Though he was a busy man, his family knew they could count on him. His guidance was straightforward and to the point, and he believed in the value of hard work-perhaps evidenced best by his belief in child labor, if you ask Tim. Beneath the teasing was a man whose love was often shown not in grand gestures, but through sacrifice, dependability, and taking care of the people who belonged to him.

His granddaughter, Torrie, will especially remember the sacrifices he made to care for her and her Uncle Max. His love was unmistakable, even when his methods were uniquely his own. His great-grandchildren will remember the ordinary moments that became some of the best ones-like Max occasionally arriving at the dinner table without his dentures, only for Monroe and Ellis to go retrieve them so Grandpa could eat.

Max loved mowing, fishing and hunting in his younger years, and following his sons' racing career. In fact, fishing eventually took a backseat once the boys began racing. His Ford vans collected plenty of dirt and dust from racetracks over the years-and more than a few scrapes and scuffs from hauling shoes.

Of all Max's fishing stories, perhaps none was better than the catch that actually made the newspaper: the day he reeled in a "stolen" bowling bag, bowling ball and all. It was exactly the kind of story made for a man who loved telling old tales and making others laugh.

When Max wasn't at the shoe store-and if you knew Max, there was a good chance that was exactly where you'd find him-he enjoyed watching old Westerns, Treehouse Masters and Homestead Rescue, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and spending time with his family. He especially treasured the time he spent living with Torrie and being surrounded by his great-grandchildren.

Max was funny and silly, quick with an old story, and always looking for an opportunity to make someone laugh. He was known for his smile, his seemingly endless knowledge of shoes, his willingness to help others, and a few pieces of advice his family won't soon forget: "You get out of life what you put into it," and "Use your head for something other than a hat rack."

Max was also a member of First Baptist Church of Iola.

He is survived by his son, Timothy Lewis (Kay Lewis); granddaughter, Torrie Lewis (Levi Ashmore); great-grandchildren, Ellis, Monroe, Greer, and Larson; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lavonne; his son, Max Lee Lewis; his parents, Edna and Paul Lewis; and his siblings, Delbert, Doris, and Paul A.

Max's 92 years were filled with family, work, laughter, shoes, racetracks, fishing stories, and countless everyday moments that became treasured memories. He leaves behind a family who knew they were loved-not always because Max said it, but because he showed it.

Services are currently pending, but memorials in his honor may be made out to Allen County, with Shop Thrifty as the memo, and left in the care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.