Howard Lewis

GOSHEN — Howard Lewis, 98, of Goshen, IN, formerly of Ligonier, IN, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2017, at 5:30a.m. at Goshen Hospital, in Goshen, IN.  He was born on April 28, 1919, to John Wesley and Ada Belle (Mayo) Lewis in ­­­­Milford, IL.

Howard had quite a lot of interests in his lifetime.  He served his country in the United States Army from September 17, 1941 and honorably discharged on October 2, 1945.  He was awarded the following decorations and citations during his time; Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon with three Bronze Stars; American Theatre Ribbon; American Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Ribbon; and the Purple Heart.  After he got out of the armed forces he moved to Ligonier in 1946, he spent many years owning and operating the Philadelphia Restaurant with his brother, Harry.  He first began his career as a factory worker with Bendix in South Bend, IN.  Howard went on to retire from the Dana Corporation after 31 years as a self-taught tool and dye maker. In his earlier years he really enjoyed fishing, hunting rabbits with his beagles, and getting in to all types of woodworking projects.  Howard was so good at building and constructing that he made his passion in to a reality by owning and operating his own Saw Mill on Diamond Lake.  He was an active member with the American Legion Post – 243 of Ligonier, IN.  So many will miss the memories they have created with him.

Surviving are his two sons, James (Ann) Lewis, of Arlington, TX; Richard (Carol) Lewis of Albion, IN; daughter, Robyn (Jay) Lambert of Birmingham, AL; four grandchildren; Jon Lewis, Shonda (Rich) O’Brien, James (Regina) Godfrey, Jessica Godfrey, and seven great-grandchildren, along with his sister, Waunita Lysinger of French Lick, IN.

Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ruth Schlabach and his late second wife, Mary (Heltzel) Lewis in 2003 along with his siblings, Clara Emmons, Ethel Moore, Fern Lewis, Harry Lewis, and Ruth Buchanan.

Family and friends will be received from 2p.m. to 7p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2017 at Yeager Funeral Home -1589 Lincolnway South Ligonier, IN 46767. A private burial will take place at 1:00p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Wininger Cemetery, located in French Lick, IN.