Raymond Joseph Anthony Lewandowski

Raymond Lewandowski entered this earthly stage on March 24, 1936, parented by Joseph Theodore and Josephine Roseanne Krazyniak Lewandowski in Bay City, Michigan. October 8th, 2021, Ray bowed low, exited DSC through Heaven's Golden Gates and entered into the arms of his best friend, Jesus.

Growing up on a farm, Ray became involved in 4H, entertaining many by playing the guitar, harmonica and singing.

While in high school, he participated in every play produced, kindling his interest in theatre and setting the course for his life. There he found his life's companion, Carole Ann Crandall, whom he married July 19, 1958.

Theatre became Ray's primary focus. He earned his B.A. and M.A. from Michigan State University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Ray taught high school and college before moving to Tulsa in 1966 and creating a Theatre program at the new Oral Roberts University. He spent 40 years developing that program and retired as Professor Emeritus. They raised their four children - Bob, Debbie, Steve and Mark to be happy and successful adults. As the children married, the family increased to include 8 grandchildren and 9 1/2 great-grandchildren, and many 'chosen' children from ORU and Tulsa.

Ray served the Tulsa community in many varied places. He was involved in scouting as the Scoutmaster of Troop 946, leading camping activities and Philmont trips. His proudest moment in scouting was watching his 3 sons become Eagle Scouts. He served 10 years as VP of Training for the Indian Nations Council. For these activities he was awarded the Silver Beaver for his life of service to scouting, which he loved doing! Ray also served Young Life, Good Samaritan Health Clinic, Restore Hope, Jenks Garden Club, and Linnaeus Garden. At his church, FUMC, he served in missions, MYF, mentored at Eugene Field School, worked VBS, taught SS, directed "The Living Lord's Supper", and served on many committees and boards.

He loved camping and hiking in the mountains, leading retreats, taking family excursions with Tulsa Rock and Mineral Society, building an "N scale" model train diorama, building a retreat center on Lake Tenkiller, and traveling to America's National Parks, and to London, Italy, Greece and Turkey to see the theatres he had taught about.

A joyous celebration of Ray's life will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, October 28th, in First United Methodist Church at 11th and Boulder. Join us in celebration!

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

Published by Tulsa World on Oct. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Lewandowski

4 Entries

Calvin Roso

October 25, 2021

I am so sorry for the loss of "Dr. Lew." Ray hired me when I first began teaching at ORU in 2000. He was an expert in his field, a great leader, a wonderful role model, and a kind Christian man. My condolences and prayers to Carole and the rest of the Lewandowski family.
- Calvin Roso, Azusa California

Cliff Leffingwell

October 25, 2021

Mrs. Lewandowski and family,
Deepest sympathies from the Leffingwells. Mark was (is) a very dear friend from ORU days gone by, and though I never had Dr. Lew for classes, I always was impressed upon by the Godly legacy at ORU by the Lewandowski name.
I rejoice and take comfort in I Thes. 4:13-18 in the day will all reunite in the Lord's presence to worship Him for eternity.

Bob(by) Mangrum

October 24, 2021

Just wanted to offer my heartfelt condolences to the Lewandowski family. I did not know Dr. Lewandowski. However, his daughter Debbie and I worked together at My Pi Pizza many years ago and went out a time or two. Debbie may not remember it, but I remember well that she spoke highly of her father and family in general, and it always left an impression with me -- particularly since, at that time, I most certainly did not have the kind of relationship with my own father that Debbie had with hers.
I moved back to Oklahoma recently to serve as a caregiver to my parents, both who are sadly in decline but it has given me an opportunity for a bit of a re-boot, or a 2.0 version to see them in a new light. And, as much as it usually cringes me to hear my mom read the obituaries every Sunday, upon hearing the name Lewandowski and then realizing it was Debbie's father, I not only wanted to express my sympathy to the family, but add that you raised who I have no doubt has turned out to be a wonderful and caring human being, and someone I knew way back in the mid-70's that loved her family. Peace.

Anita Blackwell Robertson

October 24, 2021

I was part of the first class that Dr. Lew taught at ORU. Theater became my major, and I really appreciated this dear man. I caught the acting bug in high school, and he fed and watered my desire to become a good actor. I even baby-sat his children. I saw him last at the 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of ORU and we took a photo together. I treasure it. I wish I could be there for his service, but I moved out of the country. It's a big daunting to fly now.

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