Lewis Charles Hames, age 95, of Helena

Lewis (Lew) Charles Hames passed away on September 8, 2024. He was 9 days shy of his 96th birthday.  When asked at the beginning of this year what part of his life was the best, Lew stated that his entire life has been wonderful.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to many.

Lew was born at the family home in Helena to Peter and Ethel Hames. The 1935 earthquake damaged his home, so the family moved to Power, Montana, where they homesteaded.  After three years they returned to Helena. Lew spent his formative years attending Helena schools, delivering newspapers, selling war bonds, and working at Buttrey Foods.  After graduation from high school, Lew enlisted in the US Army on August 27, 1948, and served overseas in Korea.  He returned from active duty to Helena shortly before the Korean Conflict was declared. He was then transferred to Enlisted Reserve Corp status at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Upon being granted a short furlough, Lew came home to marry Pauline Zorich on May 5, 1951, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. On September 23, 1951, Lew was honorably discharged from the US Army. The newlyweds set up housekeeping in Helena where Lew obtained employment with the Mountain States Telephone Co. He worked as a toll test technician at the facility on Park Avenue as well as the microwave site near Montana City. He was happily employed for 35 years and retired in 1986.

Lew was blessed with many talents.  He built his first house with the help of his father.  He loved to build new things and repair the old. Working with wood and carving became his passion. In his retirement years he joined a group of carving buddies, and every week they jointly worked on individual projects assisting one another.  He entered his carvings in several shows earning many ribbons. Lew enjoyed the outdoors and spent time hunting, fishing and gardening. Lew adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren; they always brought a smile to his face and joy to his heart.  Dogs also had a special place in his heart.

Lew enjoyed his telephone compatriots and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers joining them in volunteer activities.  He and Pauline also volunteered for 20 years at Broadwater Elementary School listening to children read.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Ethel Hames and his brothers Little Pete and Dan Hames.  Lew is survived by his wife of 73 years, Pauline; his daughters, Katherine (Jim) McDonnell and Elizabeth (Leroy) Lewis; grandchildren, Grant Lewis, Stephanie (Philip) Jackson, Ben (Kathleen) McDonnell; and great grandchildren, Boston and Emmett Jackson, Clare, Nora, and Vivian McDonnell; brother, Ed Hames and sister, Sarah (Jim) Stebbins; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 18, 2024, at Life Covenant Church, 800 North Hoback Street at 11:00, followed by a luncheon.

Memorials in Lew’s name can be made to God’s Love, Helena Food Share or Life Covenant Church.  Pauline, Katherine and family would especially like to thank the kind and loving staff at BeeHive Homes – House 9, the gentle and compassionate staff of Hospice of St. Peters, and L.I.S.A. Home Health.

Service Schedule

Celebration of His Life

11:00 a.m.

Friday October 18, 2024

Life Covenant Church

800 N. Hoback Street

Helena, Montana

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Reception

Immediately following the Memorial Service

Friday October 18, 2024

Social center of the church

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Graveside Service

1:30 p.m.

Monday October 21, 2024

Montana State Veteran Cemetery

Fort Harrison, Montana

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