John W. Lewis

John W. Lewis, 94, of Newton died Friday, September 28, 2018, at his home in Park Centre.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2019, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.  After burial at Newton Union Cemetery the family will greet friends at Park Centre.  Memorials to the American Legion Post 111 or the Jasper County Historical Society may be left at the funeral home.

John, the son of Carl Elmer and Sophia Augusta (Adrian) Lewis, was born on September 8, 1924 in Adair County near Stuart.  He graduated from Stuart High School in 1942.   Shortly after he enlisted in the U.S. Navy; actively serving for ten years and then spending an additional 14 years in the reserves.  He served in both WWII and the Korean War; retiring in1967 as a Lieutenant Commander.  During his time in service he was united in marriage with Barbara Elaine Lind on June 27, 1946 in San Fernando, California.  They made Newton, Iowa their home.  John was a manager at Thomberts for 26 years and also was a farmer and truck gardener with his fruit orchard. He was a talented woodworker and cabinet maker.  John was a charter member and past president of the Newton Optimist Club. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 111, Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Association, Iowa Woodland Owners Association, Jasper County Farm Bureau, and the Experimental Aircraft Association.  

John is survived by his nieces and nephews, Beverly Wheeler, Charles Knight, Veneta Miller, Ralph Lewis, Pauline Ravenscroft, and Pam Lewis and nieces and nephews from Barbara’s family all who loved him very much.  John is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Barbara Lewis in 1995; brother, Merle Lewis; and sister, Juanita Chloe.

A special thank you to the staff at Park Centre who cared for John during his stay there.  Their kindness was appreciated.

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