Requiem for a hardware retailer

The death of Donnie Lewter, 64, of Lewter Hardware in Huntsville, Alabama, led to an outpouring of emotional support in the community served by the hardware store.

“We are shocked by this sudden loss and appreciate the abundance of love shown from the community,” reads the Lewter Hardware Company Facebook page.

“He was always full of joy and it was contagious,” reads one comment. Another reads: “His warm and friendly greeting was unforgettable.”

There are more than 100 similar posts offering condolences and respect for Donnie Lewter.

The store has served Huntsville since the Lewter family founded it in 1928. That run will come to an end in October, when the store intends to close. 

Following the July 27 funeral, the AL.com web site published a tribute to Donnie Lewter and people like him who dedicate their career to the business of home improvement in a community-focused independent hardware store.

The headline of the article: “Treasure your old-fashioned hardware store, and the people who make it special.”

You can read the article here. And send your comments to us at [email protected].