The Board of Lewis County Commissioners will vote Tuesday to dedicate the Expo Hall at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in memory of the late Lee Coumbs, the former mayor of Centralia and a longtime community advocate who died due to cancer on Dec. 9, 2024.
According to the agenda report, the commissioners will pass a resolution in Coumbs’ honor at their next business meeting at 10 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Lewis County Courthouse.
“Lee Coumbs was a dedicated public servant, lifelong community advocate and passionate volunteer who made an indelible mark on Lewis County,” the resolution begins.
The resolution notes that Coumbs’ contributions to the community included his leadership as the first mayor of Centralia following the change to a council form of government as well as long-standing involvement in local organizations, boards and committees.
The resolution highlights Coumbs’ role as the founder of the Spring Youth Fair, supporter of Summerfest and the creator of the annual Fort Borst Park Christmas lights display. He also served as a fire commissioner during the merger of Lewis County Fire District 12 and the Centralia Fire Department into the Riverside Fire Authority.
Outside of his service, and often intertwined with it, was Coumbs’ job as manager of Downey’s Auto Center and owner and operator of the Sausage House and Deli, the resolution states.
“Lee was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who shared a deep love for his community and his family, and was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to service … Lee’s legacy of service, volunteerism and dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents of Lewis County will be remembered fondly for generations to come,” the resolution states.
According to the resolution, “the Expo Hall at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds stands as a place where countless events have brought together people from all walks of life, much like the legacy of service that Lee created during his lifetime.”
The resolution calls for a plaque to be installed at the Expo Hall “to commemorate Coumbs’ lasting impact and to remind future generations of his devotion to serving the people of Lewis County.”
