Lewis William Galbreath, Sr.

February 26, 1934 – February 26, 2023

Lewis William Galbreath, Sr., formerly of Mexico, MO, departed his earthly journey at the age of 89, on Sunday, February 26, 2023, with his family by his side in St. Louis, MO.

Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Arnold Funeral Home with Pastor J.A. McGlaun officiating.  Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation is Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Lewis, affectionately known as "Popbean" to family and friends, was born February 26, 1934, to the late Lewis Wheeler Galbreath, Sr. and Luvenia Rose (Brown) Galbreath Smith in Auxvasse, MO, where he was raised and educated.

Lewis married Bobbye Forrest on October 13, 1962.  They were married for 53 years until her death.

Lewis accepted Christ and became a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Mexico, MO.   He was a faithful and active member where he served as a deacon, chairman of the Deacon Board, a member of the Brotherhood Choir, and as the church bus driver.  Lewis participated in the upkeep of the church, such as helping to blacktop the parking lot for many years.  He was also involved in the Mt. Carmel District Association.

After the passing of his wife Bobbye, Lewis traveled to Arlington, TX to be closer to his children and he became a servant of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, TX.   Lewis left Texas and moved to Illinois to be closer to home.  Most recently, he served at New Covenant Baptist Church in Mexico, MO.  No matter where Lewis went, he served the Lord.

Lewis had a successful career as a truck driver and was known as "Hambone" over the road.  His trucking profession started with the help of Billy Clay, the owner of Clay Truck Lines, where he was a dedicated employee for 34 years.  He went on to work for Oliver Transportation, Inc. (OTI) for 13 years and completed his last 13 years of employment with Callaway Carriers, Inc.  Lewis received numerous awards including being honored three years in a row for Driver of the Month and once for Driver of the Year with the Missouri Trucking Association.  He retired after 60 years of service in September 2009, at the age of 75, having driven millions of miles without initiating any accidents.

He is survived by his children, Deldor (Ricky) Moore, Arlington, TX; Dorothy (John) Scruggs, Arlington, TX; Lewis (Lisa) Galbreath, Jr., Arlington, TX; Robert (Jovita) Galbreath, Sr., Arlington, TX; and Donna (Pastor J.A.) McGlaun, Collinsville, IL; thirteen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two siblings, Lewis "Tumpie" Galbreath, Jr. and Barbara Sanders, a host of nieces, nephews, and other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, David Carter and Lynn Carter; five sisters, Sarah Roberts, Dorothy Jackson, Geraldine Galbreath, Carrie Brown, and Alice Vaughn; two brothers, Thomas Galbreath and Stanford Galbreath; and one grandchild, Lynn "Pudgie" Carter.

Memorial donations may be made to the New Covenant Baptist Church, P.O. Box 337, Mexico, MO. 65265.