Paul Lewellen
Paul Dennison Lewellen, 75, of Hannibal, MO, passed away at 11:43 AM, Sunday, October 26, 2025, at his home in Hannibal, MO.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the First Christian Church in Hannibal, MO. Pastor Doug Job will officiate. Burial will follow at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Paul’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, November 3, 2025, at the funeral home.
Paul was born August 31, 1950, in Hannibal, MO to John Kirtley “Kirt” Lewellen and Helen Katherine Freiling Lewellen.
He was previously married to Sheryl Parsons. She survives.
Other survivors include his Son, Bret Lewellen of Hannibal, MO; one brother, John K. Lewellen II (Shelly) of Lake Ozark, MO; two sisters, Johnita K. Robertson (Jim) of Hannibal, MO, and Debra J. Stith (Denton) of Hannibal, MO; five grandchildren, Addi, Ryan, Jack, Melody and Jameson; nieces and nephews, Trey Lewellen (Jen) of St. Louis, MO, Bryclen Lewellen (Mandy) of Wentzville, MO, Jackie Handy (Kevin Todd Jr.) of Hannibal, MO, Rob Robertson of Hannibal, MO, and Josh Robertson (Janene) of St. Albans, MO; and several great nieces and great nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; son, Nicholas Ryan Lewellen and his nephew, Kirt Handy.
Paul was a 1968 graduate of Hannibal High School and later graduated from Culver Stockton University in Canton, MO.
Paul began his professional career with a position in sales at KXEO Radio in Mexico, MO and later worked on air as a DJ briefly. From there Paul managed the Golden Ruler Business Store in Mexico, MO, then returned to Hannibal to manage the Sherwin Williams Paint Store in Hannibal, MO. Other managerial stops over the years for Paul included Montgomery Ward in Hannibal and later Macomb, IL, before returning to Hannibal’s Sherwin Williams store, then Diemakers in Monroe City, MO and finally working for the Huber Corporation in Quincy, IL, first in sales and then managing the underground warehouses.
Paul then opened the Main Street Wine Stoppe on Hannibal’s historic Main Street. Most days Paul could be found at the Wine Stoppe visiting with patrons or collaborating with other downtown merchants for the betterment of the historic district. Paul served over ten years on the Historic Hannibal Marketing Council as a Board member and past president. With community involvement being close to Paul’s heart he was also a member of the committee for the Twain on Main Festival for many years, volunteered for the Music Under the Stars Concert series and also was a past member of the Hannibal Early Bird Kiwanis group and even served as the emcee for the Early Bird Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt for many years.
Paul’s passion was music, as a talented drummer, his solid rhythm and driving beats were the heart of area bands over the years. Paul was a member of “Rock Foundation” and later “Steppin’ Back” and enjoyed performing at area venues and playing the sounds of the golden oldies of the 60’s and 70’s. Over the years, Paul also operated P.D. Sounds, a local D.J. service.
Paul was devoted to his family and his community. His warm smile and friendly conversation were a staple of the historic district. Paul enjoyed his friends and family and always looked forward to the moments they could share together. Paul will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Paul was a member of the First Christian Church in Hannibal, MO. At First Christian, Paul served as an Elder, Past President of the Church Board, a member of the Bethany Hand Bell Choir and in his younger years he was a member of the church youth band.
Pallbearers will be Frank Berlin, Chuck Yount, Robin Robertson, Blanton Engle, Jim Phillips, and Bob Dickson.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church or Historic Hannibal Marketing Council.