Alvin John Lewis

1928 - 2018

Alvin John Lewis
1928-2018
Alvin "Jack" John Lewis April 9, 1928 – Jan. 13, 2018
Jack Lewis, 89, of Modesto passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Livermore, Saturday, Jan. 13, from complications from Parkinson's, PTSD, and congestive heart failure.
Born in Colusa, Ca, to Alvin and Juanita Lewis. Jack grew up in Benicia.
He joined the Marine Corps as a Private in Benicia on March 22, 1943, at age 14, just shy of his 15th birthday. On July 4, 1944, Lewis suffered gunshot wounds and was hospitalized in Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands, U. S.). He returned to the United States and received additional training at Paris Island, South Carolina. He returned to combat and was wounded again on February 19, 1945, in Japan at the historic landing and Battle for Iwo Jima. In 1950, Lewis received a Battlefield Direct Lieutenant Commission in Seoul, Korea before returning to the U.S. to report for duty in Fresno. He later transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve and became Battalion Commander of the 361st Battalion 91st Division 1st Brigade in Modesto, CA. Colonel Jack Lewis served his country with honor and distinction and received numerous accommodations for his service including two purple hearts and two bronze stars.
In 1969 Jack and his late wife, Martha Jane Nish Lewis, moved from San Diego to Modesto. Jack then retired from military service in 1988 and joined the California State Department of Justice. He got his pilot's license and flew all over the state for the California State Department of Justice as a parole officer. He taught criminal justice classes at Modesto Jr. College and retired from the state as the Chief Parole Administrator.
He had a sharp mind and a gentle voice, was kind, considerate, giving, a great listener, and an even better storyteller. He loved to watch college football and baseball. He scouted football players for his beloved San Diego Aztecs, which he graduated from in 1958.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years Lois "Kate" Kelso Lewis, Modesto, CA, son Bill Lewis, step-daughters Karen Kelso (Mark Rightmire), Kay Emery (Craig) and Kim Resso (John) His half-sister, Rhonda (Tony) Kosa of Benicia, and 8 step-grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by wife, Martha Nish Lewis; son, John L. Lewis; brothers Bill, Paul and Mark Lewis.
The family would like to thank the Livermore VA hospital and Dr. Kim for their services and care.
A service is planned for Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 3461 Merle Ave., Modesto, CA.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Peter's Church and the Wounded Warriors Association.
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