John Samuel Lewis

John Lewis, 68, was reunited with the Lord on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home in Strawberry Point, IA. Services will be Friday, July 24th, at 2:00 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline, IL. Pastor Ron Clevenger will be officiating. The family will be accepting visitors on Friday from 12 Noon until time of the service. Burial will be in National Cemetery on Arsenal Island in Rock Island, IL. Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #246 of Moline. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. John Samuel Lewis was born in Fairbury, NE, on October 31, 1940, to John "Sam" and Dorothy (Stainbrook) Lewis. In 1967, he married Karen K. Adkins, who passed away in 1969. On February 6, 1971, in Rock Island, he married Gaye Ann Nimrick, who preceded him in death September 27, 1999. He graduated Fairbury High School with the Class of 1958, and attended the University of Nebraska. He served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam Era, and flew planes for the Silk September Squadron. He was employed as a Division Electrician for the Rock Island Lines RR in Silvis, IL, for 13 years, retiring in 1980. He was the electrician for the Rock Island County Fairgrounds and Speed-Way for 28 years. He was a member of the Methodist Church; V.F.W. Post 2056 of East Moline; and American Legion Post #246. Survivors include: five daughters: Michele Lewis and Laurie (Scott) Page, all of East Moline, IL, Melanie Lewis and Melissa Lewis, both of Coal Valley, and Kelly (Rick) Henry of Rock Island; a son: Gene "Buddy" Carey of Moline; two sisters: Shari (Larry) Blevins of Lincoln, NE, and Jean (Jerry) Kopp of Jonesboro, GA; and twelve grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his wives, his parents, and a daughter: Joy Carey.