Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

William Dean Lewis

William Lewis Obituary

LEWIS-William Dean (Bill), age 60, Adams, died Febrary 2, 2006 after a courageous five year battle with cancer. Bill was born in Spencer on October 7, 1945 to Jesse and Rosella (Philben) Lewis. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Butte. Bill attended kindergarden through 12th grade at Butte Public Schools, graduating in 1963. He was active in football, basketball, track and band. After graduation, he attended UNI for 1 1/2 years, then operated the family farm due to his father's illness. Bill returned to college after a semester at home and graduated from Chadron State College College in 1968, with majors in physical ecuation and biology. Bill completed his masters degree in school administration from Kearney State College in 1978. Bill began his career teaching elementary physical education in 1968 in Valentine. He also coached there. After completing his graduate degree, Bill became administrator at Hall Elementary near North Platte (78-79), He moved closer to his beloved Sandhills and was elementary principal at Ainsworth from 1979-1988. Bill accepted his "dream job" when he moved to Lincoln and worked for the Nebraska School Activities Association. Bill was assistant director, supervising officials throughout the state. Bill received several honors and inductions which were very meaninful during his career. Most recently, Bill was inducted into the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame (Sept. 2005). He was inducted for his years and contributions as an official. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Sandra K. Hansen, June 12, 1965 in Butte.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, James Hansen and numerous aunts and uncles.
Survivors include his wife Sandy; daughters and sons-in-law, Billi Lewis and Jeff Pellatz of Frisco, CO, Beth and Kevin Kibby of Gretna; grandchildren, Allison and Carter Kibby of Gretna; brother and sister-in-law, James and Ruth Lewis of St. Cloud, MN; sister and brother-in-law, Coralene and Gary Kinzie, Ainsworth; mother-in-law Iola Hansen, Butte; brothers-in-law,spouse, Greg and Kathy Hansen, Butte, and Jeff Hansen, Overland Park, KS; uncle and aunt, Virgil and Crystal Philben, El Cajon, CA; nephews and a niece.
Memorial Service 12:30 pm, Monday, Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th Street, Lincoln. No visitation. Cremation.
MEMORIALS, Nebraska Foundation Fund Scholarsship Fund for Butte Students or donor's favorite charity.
On-line condolences may be sent to lincolnmemorialparkandfuneralhome.com LINCOLN MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME
6800 S. 14th St, Lincoln, NE 402-423-1515

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Omaha World-Herald on Feb. 5, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for William Lewis

17 Entries

Evelyn Harris

February 13, 2006

Sandy and Family...I taught at Ainsworth Elementary during the exact years that Bill was principal there. I left to go to AZ when he left for the state job. When I think of the school in Ainsworth, I always think of him walking the halls and being there. He was very kind to me during some hard times in my family. I am so sorry to hear that he is no longer here. I want you to know that you are in my prayers.

Raymond Harp

February 10, 2006

Sandy, and family sorry about Bill I was a custotdian at ainsworth when you were there. iam verry sorry. my prayers go out to your family.. Raymond Harp

Boyd & Jackie Powell

February 7, 2006

Sandy & Family: Bill, was an absolute Guardian of great works at

the state level and what a fine friend to the people of the Valentine area. Our deepest regards

are sent to you at this time. May God walk with you.

Darwin & Dianne (Haynes) Haas

February 6, 2006

Sandy

Our Love & Prayers are with you and the family. We will always remember our time with Bill as Teacher & Coach. I will always be greatful for the time I shared with your family.

Ed Erickson

February 6, 2006

Sandy & Family,

I met Bill through officiating and a good friend Doug Martin. Bill was always encouraging, but always wanted you to do your best and he worked hard to make all of us better officials. He will be missed by those he touched and we have been blessed and are better for having known and worked with Bill. God Bless,

Eldon Haas

February 6, 2006

My sympathy goes out to all the family of Bill Lewis. Bill was a great person that I first knew as a teacher and coach in Valentine. Later I knew him through my coaching and working the state track meet. I also had the opportunity to teach Bill's daughter in Kearney. Bill always made it a point to say "hello". He was a great person.

Dan Yancy

February 6, 2006

An Officials Official.

Dan McLaughlin

February 6, 2006

Like so many others, I first met Bill on a basketball court - he was wearing stripes and I was on the bench coaching at Broken Bow. From that first night, 20 years ago, we became friends, but he was much more than that. He was a teacher and a mentor - someone you could count on. He will be greatly missed.

Art Anderson

February 6, 2006

Sandy & family,

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing.

He and I were together in the same grade at school all 12 years, so I knew him well. Also, I knew his parents, brother James, and taught German and drama to his sister, Coralene. We will all miss him.

-Bill's school friend, Art Anderson

Pat McNamara

February 6, 2006

I am sadden by the lost of my long time friend, Bill. He was a great leader, a thoughtful mentor and had that smile of a winner.

My life is better because I knew him.

I extend my sincere condolences to Sandy and family.

Ron Mimick

February 6, 2006

Bill had the ability to draw you towards him due to his likeabilty,

honesty, and kindness. He was a

true professional in many ways. His

smile and upbeat attitude will be missed.

Blaine Harris

February 5, 2006

I first met Bill in the winter of 1968 when he officiated a basketball game, Valentine at Crawford. I had never seen a better ref.

Later he was a teacher, mentor and friend at Valentine where he schooled me on punting and throwing the discus. We developed a strong bond when I traveled with him to scout teams and through the countless hours he spent on the field with me.

I extend my deepest sympathy to the Lewis family. Bill truly touched my life.

Steve Johnson

February 5, 2006

Sandy and family,

Bill had a very positive on impact on me, not only as the supervisor of officials but also by the way he interacted with those around him. He garnered great respect from all the officials in the state of Nebraska, and it was deserved. Our prayers are with your entire family.

Steve Johnson

michael elliott

February 4, 2006

I can't express how much you meant to my entire family. Even though I gave you many headaches during Drivers Ed, you were always there with that big smile and a pat on the back. The memories will live on forever and ever.

Tim O'Dea

February 4, 2006

My condolences to Bill's family. What a great guy and mentor for youth and Nebraska high school athletics.

Rich Rethwisch

February 4, 2006

I hate how you suffered, but I will never forget how you endured- you will never know how much you will be missed. Thanks for the memories!!!

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results