Lewis Maxwell Shuler, 1918-1992

Lewis Maxwell Shuler was born June 8, 1918, the son of Elbert R., Jr., and Trula Shuler. His days of childhood and youth were spent in Roanoke and Grayson County. He was educated at a small college in Tennessee. He and his wife, Beulah, raised two children -- a son, William (Bill), and a daughter, Elizabeth (Tina).

Lewis was ordained an elder in 1963 and was received as an associate member in 1969. He enjoyed serving small churches in rural areas. Lewis served his first appointments in the Holston conference. They were as follows: Clinchco-McClure, Dunbar, Rose Hill Circuit, Broadford, Riverview Circuit, Chuckey Circuit, and Dungannon Circuit. Lewis then served the following churches in the Virginia conference: Pocomoke Circuit, Newport Circuit, Callaghan, and Huddleston.

Because of poor health, Lewis retired early at the age of 51. By then he had served in the ministry for 20 years. Lewis was known for the love he had for the ministry as well as his love for the people he served. His daughter-in-law, Betty Shuler, described him as a "quiet, unique, and very sincere individual who cared a great deal about the churches he served." His mother, Trula Christenson, described him as a "very faithful person, a man who was full of faith." He deeply trusted in God and enjoyed the abundant life only Christ can give.

After retirement, Lewis could often be found doing odd jobs and much-needed repairs at the Children's Home. Though he had many difficulties with his health, he never complained and continued to trust in God. In 1987, he was preceded in death by his wife, Beulah. He was also preceded in death by his son, William. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Bellini McClanahan, and by a grandson, Thomas Christopher Shuler.

 

-From oral notes taken from Mrs. Trula Christenson