Robert Guy Lewis

1934 - 2014

Robert Guy Lewis, 80, of Rensselaer passed away on Nov. 5, 2014, at St. Vincent Specialty Hospital in Indianapolis.
Robert was born in Decatur, Illinois on Jan. 1, 1934, the son of the late Paul Wallace Lewis (1905-1964) and Caroline Grace (Roll) Lewis (1905-1997). Robert and his family moved to Rensselaer in 1938.
He graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1951. Robert received his degree in economics and political science from Wabash College where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta. Robert received his post graduate degree in industrial management from Purdue University.
Robert was an archivist, working for several firms, including Ross Gear and Tool Company, Western Electric, AT&T in New York City, and a private consulting firm, the Business History Group. He relocated to Rensselaer in 1990 after retiring.
Upon returning to Rensselaer, Robert became involved with Curtis Creek Country Club, where he caddied from the age of 10 and where he was a lifetime member, by serving on their board of directors. He was involved in establishing both the Prairie Arts Council and the Jasper Foundation and served on their board of directors. He was an active founding member of the Historic Preservation Association of Jasper County. Robert was involved with the George Ade Association, the Historic Landmark Foundation, served as Editor and writer for Vintage Views, and was involved in saving, revising and renovating of The Carnegie Library.
Robert had a wide view of interests and enjoyed golfing, writing, music of all kinds, collecting art, poetry and glass, gardening and spending time in his library. He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and college basketball, rarely missing a Saint Joseph's College basketball game.
On April 13, 1957, in Rensselaer, Robert married Helen Louise Fisher.
Surviving with his wife Helen are their four children, Ted Lewis (spouse Sno) of Hickory, North Carolina, Jeff Lewis of Hugvenot, New York, Vanessa Schneider (spouse David) of Falmouth, Massachusetts and Kim Chute (spouse Jamie) also of Falmouth; grandchildren, Jessica, Rebecca, Leslie, Karrie, Norah, Bob, Abigail, Justin, Alex and Caroline; and great-grandchildren, Maxton, Mason, Sophia, Emma and Sebastian.
Private family services will be held.
Memorials may be made to the Jasper-Newton Foundation or the Prairie Arts Council.
Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer is entrusted with arrangements.