Charles O. "Chuck" Lewis

Charles "Chuck" O. Lewis, 82 of Seabrook, died peacefully in his home Friday 17, 2013. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oval and Nora Lewis and his sister, Bonnie Justice. He leaves behind his loving family, wife of 55 years, Helen Lewis; daughter and son-in-law, Roxanne and Eric Kuehnel; son, John Lewis; and grandchildren Katherine and Hunter Kuehnel.

Born in Equality, Illinois, Chuck was raised and worked on a farm during his early years. It was during this time he developed his love of John Deere and Farmall tractors, which became a lifelong hobby. He entered the U.S. Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War as a medical lab tech. When his active duty ended in 1956, he returned to Illinois to attend the University of Illinois, where he met his future wife, Helen. During this time, he continued to serve in the reserves, achieving the rank of corporal, until his honorable discharge in 1960. Chuck graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering the year prior in 1959. He was employed from 1959-64 by General Dynamics Astronomics at Cape Kennedy, Florida on the Atlas Launch Complex. He began a long career with NASA- Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston in 1964. Working in the Flight Crew Support Division, Chuck was lead engineer in both the Gemini and Apollo programs. He was trainer for the lunar module (LM) part task simulator for Apollo 11 and Apollo 12. After retiring from NASA, he completed his career with Rockwell.

Chuck had a lifelong passion for anything with an engine. He held a private pilot's license, restored classic cars, owned numerous motorcycles and boats, and restored and showed antique tractors. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

Visitation will be held at Crowder Funeral Home in Webster, Friday, May 24th at 10:30am. The funeral service will begin at 11:30am, with graveside immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Lung Association 2030 North Loop West, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77018.