John Austin Lewis

John "Austin" Lewis, 31 years old, passed away suddenly in his home from a brain aneurysm on December 23, 2025. He was born in Louisville, KY on August 9, 1994, into the family of parents John and Lisa Lewis and beloved big sister, Jenna.
He attended Greathouse Elementary and Barret TMS. He excelled not only as a student but was also a gifted young athlete. He was extremely competitive, winning a Kentucky State Championship in the U-10 division with the Oldham County Thoroughbred Soccer Club. Austin went on to have a successful four-year playing career as a varsity member of the Ballard Bruins Soccer team.
He graduated from Ballard High School Class of 2013. Having been a lifelong Cardinal fan, he was accepted to the University of Louisville School of Business earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting. After earning his degree, he completed the CPA exam and was able to pass all four sections on his first attempt. He has been employed as a CPA for Mather & Co. since 2017.
Austin was always drawn to any sport or activity that took place in The Great Outdoors. His passions included: deer hunting, boating, golfing, family time at Nolin Lake, and in recent years he became an avid pickleball player. Above all these interests, bass fishing was his top priority. He spent countless hours of quality time on many rivers, streams, ponds and lakes trying to catch the next "big one." If he wasn't fishing alone, his father John or Uncle Todd were by his side to witness him reeling in fish after fish.
In the past year, Austin poured his heart into raising and training his beloved Duck Tolling Retriever, "Zara," named after one of his fishing lures. Zara brought Austin joy, love, and companionship in the brief time they had together.
He was known as "Lew" to his closest friends, and they played an important role throughout his life. They shared laughs, trips, attended sporting events, and simply hung out making memories. He would absolutely want his friends to continue to make memories in his honor.
However, the closest bond he cherished was with his sister, Jenna. He looked up to her with such love, admiration and respect. They shared such a special bond that could not be put into words. Growing up they were always side by side. Into adulthood, they built an even stronger bond as each other's greatest supporters, navigating life's challenges and joys together. Their relationship was a gift from God and will be cherished forever.
Austin brought laughter and fun to our family. His presence will be forever missed, and his absence leaves a void too large to ever be filled.
Survivors include his parents John and Lisa, sister Jenna Spalding (Paul), grandmother Linda Gunter, aunts and uncles Bob Gunter, Laura Keeling (Mike), Todd Lewis (Jan), Barbara Lorch (Joe), cousins Tyler Lewis (Kara), Hunter Lewis (Kayla), Tate Edwards, Ryan Keeling (Lillian), Hayley and Logan Lorch, Lee and Natalie Lewis, and nephew Tyler Spalding.
Visitation will be held at Pearson Funeral Home, 149 Breckenridge Ln, on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Funeral service at 2:00 pm followed by burial at Cave Hill Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.