Donald “Pappy” Lewis of Perry spent his 93rd birthday Tuesday doing what he does almost every day: sitting along Iowa Street in front of Perry Health Care Center and waving and honking at passing motorists and pedestrians.
A well known figure in the Perry area, Lewis moved to Perry in 2002 after living for many years at the Woodward Resource Center and later at the USA Health Care Center in Woodward.
Doug Wood, Perry Health Care Center administrator, said he first met Pappy when he was the administrator of the USA Health Care Center.
“Pappy was getting around a little better in those days,” Wood said Tuesday, “but he was still sitting on the corner and waving at everyone who passed just like today.”
Wood said Lewis was also well known in the Woodward area for picking up litter along Iowa Highway 210 south of the town. He said an Adopt-a-Highway sign was erected along the road in honor of Lewis’ efforts.
Lewis celebrated his birthday Tuesday at a 1 p.m. open house, featuring a farming-themed chocolate and white cake, chocolate chip ice cream and homespun cotton candy.
Perry Health Care Center activity Director Mary Means said Lewis was eager for the open house and the start of festivities.
“Chocolate cake is his favorite,” she said. All the residents and staff of the center shared Lewis’ cake with him.
Lewis received friends and also many birthday cards at the open house, but most of his well wishers celebrated him in his favorite way, with a wave and a honk as the passed along Iowa Street.
