Feb. 5, 1928 – Sept. 19, 2006

Jerrel ”Dean” Dean Lewis, of Metolius, died Tuesday of natural causes. He was 68.

Mr. Lewis was born Feb. 5, 1928, in Wasco, Calif., to Chelsie and Vernie (Love) Lewis. He married June Hunting in 1962 in Alaska.

Mr. Lewis lied about his age and entered the U.S. Navy at 14 in 1942. He was later transferred to the U.S. Marines, but after a fellow serviceman disclosed his age, he was honorably discharged as one of the youngest fleet Marine Corpsmen in World War II.

He and his wife built the Metolius Market, which opened in 1972. The couple sold the market in 1997. He was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 2107, and he enjoyed restoring cars, fishing, hunting and music.

Survivors include his wife; four sons, Doug, of Phoenix, John, of Yuma, Ariz., Mark, of Forest Grove, and Bart, of St. Helens; a daughter, JuDean, of San Diego; a sister, Pat Cole, of Agoura Hills, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, his parents, a brother and two sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Casey Eye Institute in care of the Madras Elks Lodge.

Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.