1928
Johnny
2019
Johnny Lewis
September 24, 1928 — July 3, 2019
Johnny Lewis, 90, of Sparland, IL, passed on peacefully into eternal life on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. He was being lovingly cared for at St Joseph's Nursing Home in Lacon. He leaves a legacy to all who knew him as a strong, yet quiet, loving man of God.
Johnny was born September 24, 1928, to the late Elizabeth "Ruby" Murphy Lewis and Roy Lewis. He married the love of his life, Audrey J. Lishman, on November 12, 1944. She passed away November 29, 2008.
He is survived by daughter, Bonnie (Elward "Tuffy") Skaggs of Lacon, brother, Roy Lewis of Chillicothe; sister, Fannie Mae McKillip of Galesburg; grandchildren Sherry (Russell) Wallace of Peoria, Anita (Brian) DeNolf of Rockford & Eldon Essary of Lacon. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, special son-in-law Jerry Essary of Henry, grandson-in-law Lewis Hunt of Sparland and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by infant son, Michael Lewis; daughter, Joyce Essary; granddaughters Debra Skaggs Wolske & Melinda Essary Jones; three brothers; Logan, Robert, Thomas, and three sisters: Ruth Walker, Jenny Fagot, & Helen Jean Davis.
John served his church as a treasurer, secretary, trustee, deacon, choir member, bus driver, baseball league, dart team, and an Awana leader. He and his wife Audrey would start out early on Sunday mornings to collect young people from surrounding communities to bring them to Sunday school and church.
John loved his Lord, his wife, his family and all who entered his life circle. He enjoyed watching birds year-round, but especially loved the summer hummingbirds. He had the strong hands of a hard-working man and labored at many positions in his lifetime, but they were also the gentle hands of a very caring and loving husband, father, and friend. He worked at the Lacon Woolen Mill, LeTourneau's, Sparland HyTex Brickyard, farm hand, and Caterpillar. In his spare time, he built a few homes, rebuilt structures, was a master at masonry work and auto repair. He was there for anyone that needed a helping hand. Seemed he was always helping someone with a roofing job. John was also an excellent cook and baker. He loved making meals, cookies, and pies ... at all times sharing with the church family, friends, and community. In his 80's he received the Volunteer of the Year Award at Pearce Community Center. Over his lifetime he was involved with the Sparland Fire Department, Lion's Club, and Sparland Cemetery Board. Now his shifts and duties here are over and it was time for him to go Home.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside burial of cremains will be on Monday July 15 at 11am in the Sparland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St Joseph's Activity Fund, Pearce Community Center, or Alzheimer's Association and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com
Sparland, IL
Johnny was born September 24, 1928, to the late Elizabeth "Ruby" Murphy Lewis and Roy Lewis. He married the love of his life, Audrey J. Lishman, on November 12, 1944. She passed away November 29, 2008.
He is survived by daughter, Bonnie (Elward "Tuffy") Skaggs of Lacon, brother, Roy Lewis of Chillicothe; sister, Fannie Mae McKillip of Galesburg; grandchildren Sherry (Russell) Wallace of Peoria, Anita (Brian) DeNolf of Rockford & Eldon Essary of Lacon. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, special son-in-law Jerry Essary of Henry, grandson-in-law Lewis Hunt of Sparland and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by infant son, Michael Lewis; daughter, Joyce Essary; granddaughters Debra Skaggs Wolske & Melinda Essary Jones; three brothers; Logan, Robert, Thomas, and three sisters: Ruth Walker, Jenny Fagot, & Helen Jean Davis.
John served his church as a treasurer, secretary, trustee, deacon, choir member, bus driver, baseball league, dart team, and an Awana leader. He and his wife Audrey would start out early on Sunday mornings to collect young people from surrounding communities to bring them to Sunday school and church.
John loved his Lord, his wife, his family and all who entered his life circle. He enjoyed watching birds year-round, but especially loved the summer hummingbirds. He had the strong hands of a hard-working man and labored at many positions in his lifetime, but they were also the gentle hands of a very caring and loving husband, father, and friend. He worked at the Lacon Woolen Mill, LeTourneau's, Sparland HyTex Brickyard, farm hand, and Caterpillar. In his spare time, he built a few homes, rebuilt structures, was a master at masonry work and auto repair. He was there for anyone that needed a helping hand. Seemed he was always helping someone with a roofing job. John was also an excellent cook and baker. He loved making meals, cookies, and pies ... at all times sharing with the church family, friends, and community. In his 80's he received the Volunteer of the Year Award at Pearce Community Center. Over his lifetime he was involved with the Sparland Fire Department, Lion's Club, and Sparland Cemetery Board. Now his shifts and duties here are over and it was time for him to go Home.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside burial of cremains will be on Monday July 15 at 11am in the Sparland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St Joseph's Activity Fund, Pearce Community Center, or Alzheimer's Association and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com
Graveside Inurnment
JUL 15. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)
Sparland CemeterySparland, IL
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To send flowers to the family in memory of Johnny Lewis, please visit our flower store.
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