Owen Holt Lewis

1926 - 2021

Owen Holt Lewis
August 13, 1926 - January 28, 2021
Lexington, Kentucky - Owen H. Lewis, age 94, of Lexington, KY died January 28, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife Rachel Johnson Lewis. Owen was born in Versailles, KY on August 13, 1926. He grew up in Lexington, KY and spent his life there. He was the son of Raymond Riley and Rooney Welch Lewis. Owen was a graduate of Lafayette High School and received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, and Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma honorariums. He worked with Kentucky Utilities for 42 years, retiring in 1991, having served as Lexington Manager, Blue Grass Division Manager, and Vice President. Owen retired from the Army after 21 years of service having served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Berlin Call-up. He served as commander of the 100th Division's Transportation Company for several years. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and deacon. Always active in the community, Owen was Past Chairman of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce, the Good Samaritan Hospital Board, and the Lexington Red Cross Chapter. He served as president of the Blue Grass Chapter of the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers and the Blue Grass Kiwanis Club. He also served on the boards of the Associated Industries of Kentucky, Kentucky Business Development Corp., United Way, Good Samaritan Foundation and the Lexington Rotary Club. He served on several other community boards. He was a member of the Board of Directors of First Federal Savings and Loan and a member of the Lexington Country Club. Owen and Rachel were married for almost 68 years before her death in June. Lovingly known as Mema and Pop, their dedication to family and to each other was a blessing to behold. Owen and Rachel and their children moved to the family farm on Old Richmond Road in 1977. Owen's love for this land, and for Kentucky, was passed along to his children and grandchildren. Hayrides, fishing expeditions, endless projects, family reunions, parties, trips to Ocean Isle Beach, a home full of food and laughter were all cherished expressions of love from this special pair. In addition to his parents and Rachel, Owen was preceded in death by his sisters Carolena Clarkson and Rae Vansant. He is survived by a son, Raymond Lewis and his wife, Joan of Wheaton, IL; two daughters, Lucy Caldwell and her husband Bowen of Charlotte, NC; and Susan Plueger and her husband, Jeff of Georgetown, KY. Also surviving are grandchildren, Ben Lewis; Tyler Caldwell (Bella), Rachel Austin (Mitchell), and Becca Jones (Larsen); Donnie Plueger; and four great-grandsons. Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church Preservation Trust Fund or to the Bluegrass Area Chapter of the Red Cross. There will be a small family service with hopes of a larger celebration of Owen and Rachel later this year.