Lewis Harold Bilyeu, age 82, of St. Elizabeth, died Sunday, July 8, 2007, at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born in Maries County on October 23, 1924, son of Lewis A. and Henrietta (Orr) Bilyeu. On September 1, 1951, in St. Elizabeth, he was married to Rosaline Marie Rehagen, who preceded him in death on July 13, 1996.

He was an Army veteran of World War II and served with the 161st Infantry 25th Division South Pacific as a First Scout. He was wounded in Northern Luzon, Philippine Islands, and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a school bus driver for the St. Elizabeth School District for many years. He was a member of the St. Elizabeth American Legion Post 545. He was an avid fox and coyote hunter.

Survivors include one son, Gary W. Bilyeu and wife, Carol of Wardsville; three grandchildren, Michelle Abbott and husband, Steve of Jefferson City, and Kyle Bilyeu and Melanie Bilyeu both of Jefferson City; one great-grandson, Gage Abbott of Jefferson City; and one brother, Winifred Bilyeu of St. Clair.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Mardie Bilyeu, three sisters, Lennie Means, Vada Barnhart, and Mae Pendleton; and three infant grandchildren.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, at Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth. Rev. Manual Seaton will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or St. Lawrence Cemetery.