Search Results
Family of Four Killed Thanks Community for Support
The lone survivor of a Springfield house fire that killed four people has been released from the hospital. As the family prepares to bury their lost loved ones, they are opening their hearts to the people of this community who've gotten to know them from old family photos and what little is left of the Ninth Street home where they used to live.
"It feels hurting; hurting real bad because a couple days ago I had three sons. Now I aint' got but one. It's a hurting feeling," Donald Lewis said.
Through the words of a family with aching and breaking hearts we learn more about the four who died on January 17. The oldest, 63-year-old Victor Hudson, was the patriarch of his family.
"Usually when something goes wrong, I call him and ask him what he thinks about stuff," Deandre McQueen said. "And that's the only thing now. I don't know who to call and talk to--him and my little brothers-- because I tell you. They was my best friends,"
Less than a month ago, the 22-year-old lived in the house with this aunt and uncle, whom he says were more like grandparents, and his brothers. The teenagers Donald Lewis, 16 and Deonte Lewis, 14 also died in the fire. His aunt Jacqueline Parnell is the only survivor. Still in shock and weeping steadily, she couldn't bring herself to speak on-camera.
"You try to just think about the times that they made you smile so you don't have to cry, you know what I'm saying?," McQueen said. "But I still find myself crying with a smile on my face."
It's easy to do when he thinks of the cousin he lost in the fire. The family said 55-year-old Douglas Oaddams was autistic and known for his sense of humor.
"He just was--just funny," Donald Lewis said. "He'd do thinks to make you laugh sometimes; and he couldn't talk, couldn't talk."
Because Parnell couldn't find the words for the people of this community, she asked her biggest supporter to do it for her.
"A lot of people that showed, that sent prayers and showed love," McQueen said. "We want to say thank you because without them it would be even harder."
A visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Abundant Faith Christian Center in Springfield. A funeral service will immediately follow. Even though the funeral is scheduled, the family is still in need of donations to help cover the cost.
Donations are being accepted at all branches of Illinois National Bank. Payments should be made out to the Lewis Brothers Memorial Fund. The family says no amount is too small, and your contributions are greatly appreciated.
