Thomas P. Lewis

THOMAS P. LEWIS, age 82, passed away January 12, 2015 surrounded by family and friends at Swedish Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. He was born on April 23, 1932 in Louisburg, Kansas. His parents were Charles S. Lewis and Mary Jane Tobin Lewis. He was preceded in death by his son, Tommy. Tom is survived by his sisters, Charlene Lewis and Mary Jane Marvuglio and many nieces and one nephew. Tom grew up in Louisburg where four or five generations of Lewis"s have lived. An outdoorsman, adventurer, philosopher, and humorist, Tom loved a challenge. He was a passionate United States citizen, devoted to family and friends, and a creative businessman. Tom had the belief that it was his patriotic duty to serve his country which he did in the Korean War. His lifelong friend from basic training, Allen Nottingham shared, Tom became a member of crew directing air strikes. After a thirty day trip to Pusan, Tom was given radio duty with Headquarters or the Prisoner of War Command, then to Chunchon for more radio operator training. In 1995, Tom and Allen with Allen's family did a Visit Korea Program as guests of the Korean government and saw the new modern Seoul. After a successful career as a Manufacturer"s Representative for many companies, he established his own business in China. He supplied Cabela's with unique furniture for the sports industry. He made over fifty trips, in ten years, to oversee operations. Flora, his China manager and her family welcomed him and made him a part of their family. In a recent hospital interview, doctors asked: Is he really a pilot? Has he really hunted grizzly bear in Russia? Yes, and much more. When Tom did not have a family he created one, The Yins in China, Oleg, his guide in Russia, D.J. a young Chinese teen, and his birth family. Tom is greatly missed by all of his family, friends, neighbors and associates. Remembering Tom, a memorial service celebrating Tom's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday June 5, 2015 at Penwell " Gabel Louisburg Chapel. A buffet at the Timbercreek Restaurant will follow. Rather than flowers, the family suggests supporting the Thomas P. Lewis Jr. scholarship fund. Donations can be sent directly to K.U. Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044 or online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow