Archie B. Lewis Jr.

Archie B Lewis Jr, 88 years old of Moriarty NM, passed away August 10th 2024 in Albuquerque NM. Archie was born in San Jon NM on August 4th 1936, to Archie B Lewis Sr and Blanch H Lewis (Bertram).

 Archie grew up in various places in New Mexico and Arizona, but Vaughn NM was considered home, and where he would attend school. He spent his time in Vaughn working at his Father’s garage and welding shop, and helping with his Grandmother’s café.

 As a youngster Archie was able to get a job driving a water truck for a road crew, alongside his father who was handling the equipment maintenance. They built a road from the railroad tracks off into the desert of southern New Mexico. Later the seriousness of this job would become apparent when Archie, his parents, and siblings were not allowed to leave the jobsite, and started living in a tent on site at the “suggestion” of the Military Police. He got to meet some interesting people during this time, including a man named J. Robert Oppenheimer, while swimming in a water tank at an old ranch house. 

 After being released from what would become known as the Trinity Site, the family would return to Vaughn. With part of his earnings from this job, at age 9, Archie would purchase his first Model T Ford. This car is still in his collection.

 Archie would go on to graduate High School in Vaughn NM, and travel around NM, AZ, and CA working different jobs. He would then marry Frances L. Johnson, of Claunch NM. Together they would settle down in Albuquerque NM and have a son, Dale W. Lewis.

 Archie was a master fabricator, welder, and mechanic. He could build, rebuild, repair, straighten out or shine up anything he had a notion to. He made sure the skills learned from his father and grandfather were passed down to his son and grandson. He used his skills to support his family, and his habit of collecting old cars. He would go on to open his own antique auto restoration and parts supply, and to restore countless vehicles. Some of his restorations were for himself, many were for others. Cars and trucks restored by Archie have been used in movies, TV shows, documentaries, and several were built to compete in the Great American Race, a cross-country antique auto race.

 After retirement, Archie was able to fulfill his dream of opening a museum on Route 66. He moved his collection to Moriarty NM, and welcomed guests from all over the world. He enjoyed sharing his collection, stories, and time with anyone who was interested. He really enjoyed the small-town life, using his Model T touring car to haul the the Grand Marshal in local parades, and spending time with his many special friends. Archie was able to operate the Lewis Antique Auto and Toy Museum until a few weeks before his passing.

 From ushering in the Atomic Age, to rubbing elbows with politicians and movie stars, Archie lived a truly amazing life.

 Archie was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, brother Ronald Dwight Lewis, sister Mary Sharon Lewis, sister Roberta Fay Hewett, and brother-in-law Marvin Hewett.

 He is survived by his son Dale W. and wife Karen Lewis of Stanley NM, grandson Jacob W. Lewis and girlfriend Shawna Ortega of Stanley NM, ex-wife Frances Lewis of Albuquerque NM, and his longtime girlfriend Bethany Alexander of Kerrville TX.

 Services will be held 10:00am, Wednesday September 4th, at the Calvary Chapel Estancia Valley, #2 Saline Pump Rd, Moriarty NM, 87035. Pastor Mike Nasci officiating, music provided by Louie and Georgia Guenther. Pallbearers will be Dale W. Lewis, Jacob W. Lewis, and Skip Freehling. 

 Archie will be laid to rest in the family plot, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Vaughn NM. As a tribute to his skills, he will be interred in a welding gas bottle, and taken to the cemetery in the first Model T he purchased, 79 years ago.

 The family would like to extend a thank you to all of his friends for coming to see him off.