John L. Lewis

Published 9:20 am Monday, August 27, 2018

In Loving Memory of John L. Lewis

November 17, 1933 – August 13, 2018

On August 13, 2018, at the age of 84, John L. Lewis passed away peacefully with his loving wife, Joy and family by his side.

“John L.” was born November 17, 1933 in Brilliant, Ohio to James E. and Gladys (Risdon) Lewis.

John graduated from Lincoln/Brilliant, Ohio, High School in 1951 and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was awarded two Purple Heart Medals and Distinguished Service Medals.

In 1953, he met his wife, Joy Emanuel. They married in 1955 and resided in Mingo Jct., Ohio. They had two sons – John Jeffrey Lewis and James Joseph Lewis. John and Joy were married for 63 loving years until his passing.

During his career he owned his own businesses, and later worked for, and retired from Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corporation in 1999. He was a member of the Mingo Jct., Ohio, City Council and was Mayor for 9 years.

In 1999, John and his wife, Joy moved to Bend, Oregon to be closer to his son and wife and grandchildren. John loved his grandchildren, Sarah and Lucas very much and spent as much time as possible being a mentor, chauffer, “fixer of all things broken”, and a great loving “pappy.”Throughout his life he enjoyed spending quality time with his wife, family and his many long-time friends. He belonged to many professional and civic organizations, including the Knights of Columbus and St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mingo Jct. John enjoyed gardening, hunting, golfing, and eating all of his wife’s good cooking. John was a very kind soul who put the considerations of others before his own.

John is survived by his loving wife, Joy, son, James (wife, Donna Britt), granddaughter, Sarah, grandson, Lucas, daughter-in-law, Tia Lewis (all of Bend, Oregon), and sisters, Charlotte Gatien of Kenton, Ohio, and Denease Lewis of Naples, Florida, as well as in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, John Jeffrey, his father, James and mother, Gladys, brothers, Don Lewis, Bill Lewis, and Richard Lewis, and sisters, Gloria Adams and James (Jimmy) Mayle.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held in Mingo Jct., Ohio, at a later date.