Pastor Mark Twain Lewis

Pastor Mark Twain Lewis, 61, of Casper, Wyoming passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

Mark was born in Port Arthur, Texas on December 11, 1962. His parents were Dudley Lewis, Jr. and Beatrice Ruffin Lewis. Mark was the youngest of four children: Dudley, II; Annie Bea Batiste; and Clinton. Mark loved football and played in the Astro-Dome. His parents joined in his love of the sport, and were at his games. He had very close friendships in the neighborhood, and still maintained them. He was also busy burying any neighborhood animal with his friend, Gus – a future veterinarian. He used to say that his family ate fish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A member of his congregation brought him catfish and cobbler for dinner in hospice. Linda hates fish & chicken, so they were trying to satisfy this diversity: her beef – him fish. They worked it out. Mark was infatuated by Doris Day – Linda grew up from age 3 sitting with her back on the big radio listening to Louis Armstrong. No jealousy arose. They taught marriage classes and step-parenting classes together, soon the classes were full and they had added dinners together with the participants. Mark was saved on a Sunday morning in the bathtub. She was saved on a park bench. They moved to Denver. Mark drove a big truck and she found a job with the Jewish Federation as a program designer for Denver County at Shalom Denver. When they came to Wyoming he continued to drive and she was a training leader for WBI. Then God said for Mark to quit his job and plant a church. After being in other churches he left to start his own. He joined hands with Pastor Johnson who came at midnight on a snowy evening and ordained them in the middle of the storm. God provided a church setting through Linda’s boss, and then another building on 12th Street which grew to overflowing. The church had growing pains. Mark and his wife went and touched and prayed over many churches, but a friend contacted Mark & suggested the building that the church now occupies. A lease was written and Rock of Ages moved. As is God’s plan, every provision was given to Rock of Ages. We were joyful. We stood in the empty sanctuary, held hands, and danced and prayed. Pastor not only seeded a church but seeded into men and women to prosper spirits, build the ministry, and let them fly when they were ready to build their own ministries. The pastor shared God’s love in a way that blessed hearts and changed lives. He did it consistently and with passion. It set an example for all of us and reminded us of what it really means to be a follower of Christ. Fun and laughter were plentiful. He initiated free funerals and marriages, the sock ministry, car shows, pursuit of education, and was the key speaker at several National Day of Prayer Sessions. When Mark scratched his head you knew the spirit was in full force. He was full of abounding love. Everyone was welcome, and welcomed. Choirs came and went. There are relationships still maintained after congregants move, many of whom continue to generously support the church. Mark was always full of shenanigans, pointing at his wife and always pointing out to the church we hadn’t abided by God’s edicts prior to marriage. He was on the Servant United board. He and Linda were on the executive board of Teen Challenge, all the while pursuing his education. Another focus has always been to reach out to the reservation with Arlis Hedguist. Mark’s birthday is on Wednesday, December 11. Mark loved watches, fishing, and jokes. Linda and Mark had been making a bucket list and had spent their anniversary this year exploring new things. Last year the surprise birthday party resulted in a heart attack, after 30 surprise parties he will have one in heaven. He can be free of pain, and enjoying the music and praises of the Father. Love comes with work and changes to a love so deep it indwells in your heart. It cannot be shaken. Praises be to God. Thanks for beauty, years of fidelity, unexpected surprise jokes, finger pointing, camping, being in the snow together and heartfelt conversations. Being my pastor, my friend, a dad, grandfather and great and loving neighbor. Thanks for making a difference- you can be sure all you did was noticed by God and appreciated by us. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 See you soon, I love you - Linda. 

A special thank you to Dr. Gail Zimmerman for your love and support, the Cedar Street group for joy and love and great food, and all the family and friends that is coming from out of town. We appreciate you. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00pm, Monday, December 9th, at Rock of Ages Church with interment to follow at Wyoming Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow at Restoration Church following Committal Services. 

To share a memory of Mark or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.