Lewis Balcom Jr.

Lewis Balcom Jr. peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Meadowbrook Rehab and Respiratory Center in Matawan, New Jersey.
Born on April 21, 1956, in Campbellton, Florida, Lewis was the son of the late Annie Luverne Evans and Lewis Balcom Sr. He grew up in a large family with 13 siblings, many of whom preceded him in death: Ernest, Alice, Isaac, Willie C., Mary Belle, Arlester, Lucille, John, and Roosevelt.
Lewis attended the Saint Paul school system before moving to Newark, New Jersey, where he built a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. He held several positions before becoming Plant Manager at Schering-Plough in Union, NJ. He retired when his health began to decline.
In September 1976, Lewis met the girl next door - Barbara Ford. Their connection was instant; he proposed just two weeks later, and they were married on December 19,1976. Barbara was not only his wife but his lifelong sweetheart and closest friend. Lewis was deeply involved in his community, especially in youth sports. He coached baseball at the Irvington Little League and supported basketball programs throughout the state, always encouraging young athletes to reach their potential. His passion for sports was matched by his love of cooking, often preparing meals for family and friends, bringing people together around the table with warmth and generosity.
His spiritual journey was deeply important to him. He was baptized in 1977 at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark under the late Elton Byrd. Later, he joined Humanity Baptist Church on Bergen Street, Newark, led by the late Pastor J.W. Brown. After relocating to Monroe Township, he became a devoted member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Freehold, under the late Pastor Lee Y. Lewis. There, he served faithfully on the trustee board and building fund until his health no longer allowed.
Lewis is lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Barbara; his sons Lewis Ill (and Dr. Tonita) of Lawrenceville, NJ, and Benjamin of Monroe, NJ; sisters Inez Capehart of St. Petersburg, FL, and Reba (Robert) Leaks of Farmingdale, NJ; brothers Henry (Annie) Evans of Hillside, NJ, and Herman Evans of Maplewood, NJ; sisters-in-law Dorothy Balcom, Nettie Ruth Balcom, Debra Balcom of Florida, Gwendolyn (Ronnie) Sanders, Vickie McCree of North Carolina; brothers-in-law Lavander Jones (Tracie) of North Carolina and Bobby Moore of Monroe, NJ; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and his Mount Zion Church family. He also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren -Kayden, Elle, Londyn, and Corey.
Lewis's life ended early on July 23rd, but the kindness and love he shared with everyone around him will live on. As he believed and often said, "God is Good."
"Although We cannot bring back the hours of splendid in the grass, we will not grieve but rather find strength in what we leave behind in the past"
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