October 26, 1933 - October 30, 2017
Eugene Edward Lewis, Age 84 Father, Grandfather, Friend, and Sports Fan passed away on the beautiful fall afternoon of October 30, 2017 at the Safari Adult Family Home in Spokane, WA. Gene was born October 26, 1933 in Marquette, Nebraska to Roy and Blanche Lewis. Gene was a graduate of Central City High School in Central City, Nebraska. He served honorably in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Fairchild AFB as a maintainer on B-36s and served during the Korean War. He settled in Spokane after separating from the Air Force in 1956. Lew met the love of his life, Karen on a double date. She was part of the other couple, but something clicked between the two of them. They married in December 1956. They welcomed Scott in September 1957, followed by the adoption of Staci in 1966, and Shane came along in 1968. Lifelong friend Ray Bohn introduced Gene to property and casualty insurance in the late 1950s. It became a lifelong career. Gene went on to build his own business from the ground up and spent over 48 years with clients that were more friends than clients. Gene loved spending time at Deer Lake and spent as much time there as he could with Karen and welcomed anybody else who stopped by. He loved to travel with Karen going to Korea, Hawaii, and Mexico, and of course those summer car trips to Nebraska. He loved old cars and sports. He enjoyed cheering for the Zags, Cougs, Mariners, and the Red Sox. He is survived by his children Scott, Staci, and Shane. By granddaughter Madison, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tom and Lynn Jefferson, nieces Kari (Todd) Bogart and Kristi Lacroix. And by a large extended family. Gene is preceded in death by his wife Karen of 56 years and parents Roy and Blanche (Russell) Lewis. Our deepest thanks go out to the Safari Adult Family Home. Thank you for taking such good care of Dad these last years. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Union Gospel Mission, a favorite charity of Genes. A Celebration of Life Service will be held November 6, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. at Sunset Chapel, 5200 W. Wellesley Ave., Spokane, WA 99205.
