Fred M. Lewis

Fred M. Lewis, 78, a devoted family man and churchman with a zest for life, died on June 3, 2007 at Life Care Center of Paradise Valley from a blood disorder resulting from bone marrow failure. He was born in Maryville, MO, in 1928 to Martin A. and Mary Margaret Lewis. Fred grew up in Jefferson City, MO graduated from Wilson High in Washington D.C., attended Westminster College in Fulton, MO for 2 years, then graduated from the University of Missouri in 1950. Immediately after college Fred was inducted into the US Army. After basic training, he trained in Leadership School and then in Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in 1952. Fred next attended Advanced Officer Training in Transportation where he received a "Letter of Commendation". He was Honorably Discharged in 1960. In 1961 Fred moved his young family to Phoenix, AZ where he excelled in his career as Realtor, Exchangor, and Instructor in commercial real estate sales and investments. He was a director on the Phoenix Board of Realtors for 4 years and over the years served as president of the Valley of the Sun Realtors, of the Arizona Real Estate Exchangors, and of the Certified Exchangors. Fred was named Exchangor of the Year in 1973. Fred devoted much of his time and talents to the Presbyterian Church as an Elder and Deacon. He was the area counselor for one year for the national church's 50 Million Fund in 1966-67. He enjoyed singing in the church choirs and that developed into a passion for singing men's choral music. In 1984 Fred joined the Orpheus Male Chorus and later became a charter member of the Choralaires of Phoenix in 1996. Participation in sports gave Fred much added enjoyment. He coached his sons' Little League teams and his daughter's softball team for many years and umpired for 2 years. He played baseball, basketball, and tennis as a young man, and was an avid golfer throughout his life. Both parents and a brother Robert (Bob) Lewis precede Fred in death. Survivors are his wife Yvonne; 3 children from his first wife Suzanne-Hollis (spouse Dennis Mitchem), Martin (spouse Holly), and Scott-2 stepchildren Anne Richardson and Douglas Richardson (spouse Hannah); 7 grandchildren, a sister-in-law, nieces and cousins. Fred also leaves behind a host of friends. We will miss his resonant voice, humor, and personal presence that filled a room and our hearts. A memorial service of celebration with a reception following the service will be held at Orangewood Presbyterian Church, 7321 N. 10th Street, Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 1:00 PM. Memorial donations may be given to Orangewood Presbyterian Church for the Fred Lewis Memorial. Arrangements entrusted to Green Acres Mortuary, 480-945-2654.