Rhenus Eugene "Gene" Lewis, 71, died on Wednesday afternoon, April 7, 2021, in IU Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis. He was born on May 12, 1949 in Charleston, West Virginia, the son of the late Rhenus C. and Eurania F. (Clendenen) Lewis.
On August 24, 1970, Gene married the love of his life, Karen Koger, in Blackford County.
Gene had been employed at PCA, Gas City, for 47 years; Big R Store, Marion; and currently worked at American Woodmark as a Color Auditor and was a member of Liberty Baptist Church, Sweetser. He was a hard worker who had many talents and passions including, but not limited to, making wooden crosses, body building, cycling, cars, and music.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Karen Lewis, Upland; two sons: James (Andrea) Lewis, Marion; and Jared (Chant'a) Lewis, Wabash; two daughters: Nancy (Warren) Woolums, Upland; and Mary (Darrell) Gibson, Argos; 13 grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers: infant Jackie Lee Lewis and Charles William Lewis.
The family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Liberty Baptist Church, 517 Church St., Sweetser, Indiana, with Pastor Terry Bishir officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana.
Tributes
Lula Francis Lewis wrote on Apr 15, 2021:
"He was a great uncle. He always had his band come over to grandma and grandpa's home and they would play music for us. He was a great man and loving father and uncle, and a loving husband. He always let myself and my sisters know he loved us. He loved his family above everything, except God. Love and miss you, Uncle Gene"
Lexi wrote on Apr 8, 2021:
"The first time i meant him, he opened his arm to brand new grandkids. "
Jeannie Jarrett wrote on Apr 8, 2021:
"So sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed by his coworkers at American Woodmark. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to know Gene. Prayers for all family. "