Chesterton Tribune

Lewis 'Lew' E. Willis service Saturday

Back to Front Page
 

 

 
 

 

 

Lewis "Lew" Edgar Willis, Sr. 75, of Lafayette, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 1:55 a.m. Lew was born on January 25, 1937 in Reading, Pennsylvania, to the late Russell A. and Margaret Gehris Willis.

On November 1, 1980 Lew married Barbara Getz in Valparaiso, Ind., and she survives.

Surviving along with his wife, are six children, Lewis E. "Lew" (Lisa) Willis, Jr. of Carmel, Ind., Debbie (Michael) Young of Hebron, Ind., Cynthia "Cindy" (Charles) Douthett of Kouts, Ind., Laura "Laurie" (Pete) Panzeri of Bonita Springs, Fla., Douglas "Doug" (Vicki) Willis of Dayton, Ind. and Scott (Linda) Geisen of Lowell, Ind.

Also surviving is one brother, David (Kay) Willis of Noblesville, Ind., ten grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lew was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Anna, and two of his brothers, Russell A. Willis, Jr., and William S. Willis.

Lew grew up in the southern counties of New Jersey, graduating from Bridgeton High School in 1955. After serving in the Army from 1955-1959, Lew moved to Indiana where he began his own family. Lew's primary career was with Midwest Steel, where he worked 19 years as an expediter and foreman before retiring to pursue other interests. Lew was a member of the Sunrise Christian Church, enjoyed wood working, word games, crossword puzzles, and the love of his dog, Lizzie.

Throughout his life Lew supported many charities including one of his favorites, Ranch Hope, a provider of intensive services to moderately, emotionally disturbed young men and women.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Sunrise Christian Church, 909 E. 500 S., Lafayette. Ind. A lunch will follow the service. Friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to either Ranch Hope, Inc., 37 Sawmill Road, Alloway, NJ, 08001, or to Guardian Angel Hospice.

 

Posted 5/7/2012