John K. Lewis Sr., 81, of Knightstown, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, following an extended illness. He was born on Feb. 20, 1931, in Indianapolis, a son of the late Robert C. and Edith M. (Prentice) Lewis Sr.
A 1948 graduate of Broadripple High School in Indianapolis, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserves and co-owned along with his father and brother, Lewis Electric in Indianapolis from 1947-1952. He retired from Western Electric in Indianapolis in 1991. John also had farmed in Sheridan before moving to Knightstown in the early 1970’s, where he also farmed for several years. He had also worked at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle and Knightstown for the past nine years. He was a member of the Center Christian Church.
John enjoyed fishing, hosting community events, and enjoyed being with people in general. An avid woodworker, John had belonged to Raintree Woodcarvers, and had also built houses, done excavating work, worked with stained glass, and also enjoyed listening to good music.
He leaves to cherish his memory, three children, John K. Lewis Jr. of New Castle, Jeffrey M. (Deborah) Lewis of Fishers, and Jane Ann Selm of Dayton, Ohio; a step-daughter, Tammy (Wesley) Watts of Knightstown; three grandchildren, Ryan L. Meadows of Indianapolis, Jennifer (Evan) Watts Meltzer of Greenfield, and Krystal L. Simpson of Dayton, Ohio; two great grandchildren, Tyler Meadows and Ava Grace Meltzer; a brother, Robert C. (Donna) Lewis Jr. of Huntsville, Ala; his special friend, Norma Smith of Knightstown, a brother-in-law, Norman Travis of Knightstown; and his special pet dog, Ginger.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Lewis, his former wife, Janice Hacker; a sister, Joanne Travis; and a nephew, Mack A. Lewis.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2012, at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in Knightstown with the Reverends Bill Worrell and Randy Gross officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cove Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The Leukemia Society, 941 E 86th St. Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 or the Henry County Community Foundation, Hinsey-Brown Scholarship Fund, PO Box 6006 New Castle, IN 47362.
You may express online condolences or share a memory of John at www.hinsey-brown.com.
