Ernest Burton Lewis was born January 19, 1890 south of Grafton, Nebraska and died August 31, 1979 at Gothenburg, Nebraska. He was one of four children born to Walter and Dora Lewis.

Ernie did not finish high school as helped his father on the farm. He lived on farms around Fairmont and Grafton. He was married to Maud Swan at the home of her parents on Christmas Eve, 1910. In 1912, a daughter, Ruth was born. In 1914 they moved to Frontier County 12 miles south of Farnam. In 1916 a son, Ronald Walter was born.

In 1918 they moved to a farm about 1 mile south of Farnam and for two years they had a milk route. In 1922 they moved to Farnam and lived in the Stebbins Hotel. After 2 years they moved to the Carman cafe and stayed there 2 years. Then they moved back to the hotel and stayed 3 years. While Maud cooked at the hotel Ernie had a butcher shop.

In the spring of 1929 they moved south of the railroad tracks. Ernie ran a cream station in the building north of the post office. Later he moved to a building south of what used to be the Ford Garage.

June 4, 1938, their son, Ronald was killed on a freight train in Wyoming. In 1938 they took over the Standard Station and also kept on with their produce business until 1949 when they sold out to Jack Martin.

In December 1960 Ernie and Maude celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a dinner and Open House. In 1970 their 60th anniversary was observed with their daughter Ruth and husband Max entertaining them along with othe family and friends.

April 5, 1972, they moved down town only a block from Ruth. Ernie was an active member of Lions Club for a number of years. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. A good friend to all was Ernie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers; wife Maud, son Ronald and grandson Ron.

Ernie is survived by one sister, Marie Bassett of Ogallala; one daughter, Ruth and her husband, Max; one granddaughter, Janet Mandery and husband, Alvin; and two great-granddaughters, Kimerley Lou and Maurine Lea of Lincoln, Nebraska. And many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Sept. 4, 1979 at the Farnam United Church with Rev. Karl Lent and Rev. Harold Ellis officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Pansy Piersol, organist, and Mrs. Harold Bick and Lawrence, duet. Pallbearers were Earl Fritz, Charles Davis, Dale McNickle, Jack Schultz, Byron Taylor and Jack Randecker. Burial was in Farnam Cemetery.