Eugene C. Lewis

Eugene C. Lewis was born Dec. 22, 1933 to Fred Homer Lewis and Fern Lucille (Johnson) Lewis in Hardin County. Eugene departed this life into the next on Feb. 19, 2011. Eugene is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley Benge Lewis, who was the love of his life. Surviving are his dearly loved children, Gary E. Lewis his daughter in-law, Grace and his grandchildren Kaliyah Rae Lewis, and Jacob Macalino of San Francisco, Calif. Eugene's daughter Cynthia Ann (Lewis) Todd his son in-law, Joe Todd of Smyrna, Tenn. Also, surviving is his Niece Debra (Lewis) Ireland of Navoo, Ill.; great-neice Calia Lewis of Iowa City; a niece Trisha Engelbrecht, and her husband Jon; and, two newphews of Wisconsins Rapids, Wis.
Eugene was predeeded in death by his father, Fred Homer Lewis, his mother Fern Lucille (Johnson) Lewis, his brother, Robert Lewis of Onwalaska, Texas, and Robert's first wife Joann {Linston} Lewis and her son Curtis Eugene Lewis of Fort Madison, and his sister Faye (Lewis) Russert of LaCrosse, Wis.
A celebration of Eugene's life is scheduled for Feb. 25 at 4:30 p.m. at the United Congregational Methodist Church located at 401 1st St. Lewis, Iowa, 51544 with Nadine R. Adyt, officiating. Visitation from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with family and friends.
Eugene graduated from McCallsburg High School in 1951. Eugene entered the US Army during the Korean Conflict with the Artillery Division spending most of his time at Fort Sill, Okla. After discharge he attended Luther College of Decorah. He continued his education at Iowa State Teachers College which is now University of Northern Iowa. Eugene graduated in 1958 with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Safety Education.
Eugene moved to Lewis in 1958 and began teaching ninth grade Mathamatics and Coaching Boys and Girls Basketball with Griswold Community Schools. Eugene along with Dick Legg started the Girls Track and Field Program which he coached for many years. Eugene retired from Griswold Community Schools in 1978. He loved to participate and Coach sports especially basketball and baseball. He played baseball for the Lewis Town Team up to the age of 33. Eugene loved his career with Griswold Community Schools, he liked his fellow colleges and admired the students. From 1978 to 2008, Eugene started his own business call "Lewis Contracting." His work included; painting, siding homes, remodeling kitchens, and building garages, utility sheds, and decks. His greatest accomplishments was making a two-story home out of a one-story home while the people continued to live in the house during construction. Eugene was also a caring asset to the merging Congregational and Methodist Churches.
In 2008, Eugene and Shirley Lewis moved to Council Bluffs, due to his serious health conditions. However, Lewis will always be considered home for Eugene and his family. While in Council Bluffs he made many friends and a couple of really close friends. Due to his health conditions, he was unable to travel and spent most of his time with Shirley.
Eugene shared these parting words "Now is the time for me to say Goodbye, as I must take this journey alone. We have many memories that we share. Don't be sad or grief long. " As Billy Graham said "He is going home now." I am greatful for all the love that the family have shared. Hopefully, I will always be near my family.
Eugene has requested that gifts, memorials, and floral arrangements be sent to the United Congregational Methodist Church at 401 1st Street, Lewis Iowa, 51544. In care of Eugene C. Lewis. For distribution to the General Fund of the United Congregational Methodist Church, Oakwood Cemetery Fund, other local charities under the direction of his son Gary.