Eagle wings lodge I remember all the great times I had with you I still look up to you and I always have I love you grandpa love lucca

Tom's ideas always seemed like they were going to be sure-fire successes.  Maybe they weren't all great, but I remember how they were spurred on by his infectious enthusiasm.   Whether it was a puppet ministry or buying apartments, you got the same turbocharged, let's-do-this-it'll-be-great attitude!  It was fun watching Eagle Wings I unfold--a Tom vision realized on a truly grand scale.

Tom was a great encouragement to my son.  I know Stephen enjoyed spending time with Tom and the rest of the Lewis family.  Martha and I believe that, as parents, we can only take our kids so far into adulthood.  The last mile, so to speak, is a journey they take where parents are largely excluded.  It's on that last mile where the guidance and example of others like Tom and Cathy are so vitally important.  We're forever grateful for it.

Many years have passed since Tom and I have talked, but he is still one of the most important people to ever to come into my life. Although he used to disagree with me on this, he always seemed to know what to say to everyone, whether they were happy or sad, angry or discouraged, outgoing or shy. He always knew how to put someone at ease and encourage them. In my case, getting me to talk during bible study! I was blessed in every minute I spent with him, and I will be again when the Lord calls me home.

I first met Tom through a boot camp gathering in 2016. My story with boot camp had happened outside Eagle Wings, but Tom’s excitement for what God had done in his life with boot camps was contagious. So much so, I quickly became interested in leading a boot camp at Eagle Wings. Once we booked my first time leading a camp at Eagle Wings, Tom invited my family to stop by the Lodge so he could show me the space and show me around. I didn’t know what to expect, but as we entered the lodge on that Sunday afternoon, we were welcomed by a great “welcome!” and a plate of Oreos and Popcorn! Those that know boot camps know that every camp we have at least one plate of Oreos and Popcorn (often accompanied by a Buckeye Football game - a tradition in honor of Tom I hope to keep). He hosted us on a tour and showed me several things he likes to do when boot camps are held there. Once we finished, he invited my son (then 5 years old) to ride with him in the gator down to the barn. My son’s eyes lit up as if he were being escorted by a King! Little did I know that picture of Tom taking in my son was exactly the guiding and fathering he would show me over the next few years. I am so thankful to be able to have known Tom and experience his excitement for what God was up to in men’s lives at Eagle Wings. I will miss him for sure. Especially when the next camp happens and he’s not there to host us. But I anticipate a day at the Renewal of All Things when I can give him a big hug and tell him about so many more awesome things God has done through his vision and heart for boot camps.

Tom was one of the first people I met when I arrived at OSU as a freshman in the fall of 1977. With his infectious smile, incredible sense of humor, and utter sincerity it was not hard to immediately become friends. Tom always seemed to be at the center of everything (as the picture below proves).  I am incredibly thankful to have had him as a very close friend, mentor, and roommate for many years, until my other dear friend Cathy took him away! You both will always have a big place in my heart. 

I can't wait to see you again, Tom!

Chris Williams

Tom was a friend, spiritual mentor, and brother in the Lord. I am blessed to have known him and serve with him doing Boot Camps at Eagle Wings. I will cherish those memories of Tom and already miss his infectious smile and servants’ heart. He always made himself available with a smile and a listening ear to do whatever he could to help the men at camp - everyone was special in Tom's eyes. The most special memories for me are the times when he showed confidence in me and encouraged me to take on something outside of my comfort zone by simply saying "you got this pal!". His greeting every time I arrived at the lodge was always the same - "Jeffery my Brother! followed by a big hug and warm "welcome home". I can only imagine that the greeting he received from our Lord was very similar “Tom, my brother! Welcome Home!”. We will meet again Tom. I love you brother.

Jeff Ely

Tom lives on. I don't know how many times I have shared this experience Tom shared waaay back when about when he trained to be a bank teller. He told us how during the training, as the prospective tellers would be practicing counting bills, some one would invariably ask, "When will we learn how to spot a counterfeit bill?" The trainer would encourage patience, until one day a trainee interrupted the counting practice holding up a bill and shouting, "This is counterfeit!" The lesson was if you handle the true, authentic evidence,  you will inevitably be able to recognize a "fake." Applied to life, God, relationships it is a potent lesson. Thanks, Tom!
Sue Cooper

I first met Tom at Eagle Wings at a Wild at Heart Basic Boot Camp in November 2019. The Sprit of the Living God is there. I love that place. I quicly found Tom to be a welcoming, man of God who was so kind and served up some feasts. I then got to hear Tom’s story of how his heart was healed and set free by Jesus. I heard the story of the first lodge and how the lodge and boot camp came to be around the fire and that’s when I knew this was his place. Tom was one of the men that prayed over me while I was sobbing like a baby. He was gentle, kind and alive with the Holy Spirit. I remember thanking Tom as we left that weekend that I told Tom “I want to grow up and be just like you”, he said “you already are”.  
I was able to introduce my wife to Tom at a Terry Wardle conference at Heritage in January. He was again so welcoming and kind and speaking back the truth from Terry and Jesus. So alive in the love of Jesus and sharing it with others.  
I was at the September Advanced Boot Camp and Jesus did business with my heart again. As we were leaving Tom and Cathy were at the horse barn and I was glad I got to hug him and tell him thanks for letting us be at the lodge. Tom and Cathy thank you for opening up that beautiful place for folks like me to come and heal. Thank you for your love and kindness! Thank you for pointing others to the healing grace of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. I love you brother and I still want to grow up and be like you.  

Nate Coey

Sweet Cathy,

Words can’t express the blow to the gut we felt when we heard about Tom’s passing. Although we haven’t spent time together in the lasts few years, our connection with you guys feels like one of those eternal things. The vulnerability and openness of our life group truly breathed hope into us during one of the hardest seasons of our lives. We will always remember the way Tom lived and loved BIG, with all of his heart. His enthusiasm for life was infectious and his love for the Lord was inspiring. One sweet memory is of us standing in a circle of worship, and Tom’s beautiful voice leading us in “I Love You Lord”. Surely Tom is singing with all of his soul in the heavenly choir today. I’m (Linda) a little bit jealous of that! Tom was such a generous giver in every aspect of life. He will be greatly missed by us and everyone who had the blessing of knowing him this side of eternity. Our love and prayers support you and your family. When you are ready, we would truly love to spend some time with you.

Marv and Linda Pakizer

If you knew Tom, you loved him, he positively impacted so many lives and made the world a better place. I knew Tom through bootcamp as well, and from the minute i walked into Eagle Wings Lodge in 2014 I felt welcomed and loved by him. Being able to spend time in the Lord with Tom was a big reason I went to many more bootcamps. I’ve selfishly cried a lot of tears this week missing my friend and wanting one more bootcamp with him, but I know he is where God wants him right now and experiencing the ultimate joy.

Tom, I love you and miss you my friend, I will see you again.

I first met Tom in November of 2016 at a bootcamp event he hosted at Eagle Wings lodge. That weekend changed my relationship with God, and I can't express how much I wish I had one more opportunity to let him know how thankful I am that he said yes to the lead of the Holy Spirit. Like many men, I kept coming back to future events, and in the process continued to deepen my own friendship with Jesus while also watching scores of men encounter a Father who delights in them as sons.

Most of the time I spent with Tom was during those weekend retreats, and even though our time together was limited in quantity, his passing hit me hard. As I've reflected on why, I think much of it goes to the fact that Tom was so willing to share his deepest wounds and failures. I probably heard him tell his story at least a half a dozen times at those weekends, and each time I found myself with tears in my eyes. Tom was so quick to share his pain, because he had so deeply experienced God‘s love and healing. In doing that he taught me that true strength involves letting others see the chinks in your armor. 

Like so many men, I'm going to miss Tom. I’ll miss his cooking, his laugh, his words of encouragement that helped me believe I was capable of more than I thought. But most of all, I'll miss sitting with him and a small band of brothers on the floor of his bedroom at Eagle Wings on the final night of each weekend, telling stories of all our King had done. Tom’s joy was infectious in those moments, as he led us with a shout of “Best job I ever had!” I look forward to the day when I too will wake up in eternity to see my brother Tom welcoming me to a table of great food and even better kingdom stories.

Once while praying with Tom at a Boot Camp event God gave me an image of a mighty oak tree planted near a stream of water.  This image is how I will always picture Tom.  He provided strength and shelter for so many by drawing from the living water of Jesus Christ.  I look forward to the day when we can laugh and tell stories around a campfire again when all is made new and I see you again my friend.

Met Tom last year at Eagles Wings for a boot camp.
What a great guy.
I will see you again sir when it's my time to enter into His kingdom forever.
Prayers to his family.

Back in 1983 while in Columbus I came to know the LORD as my Savior. A Christian friend, Spencer Saints, invited me to a Bible study hosted by two incredible people, Tom and Kathy Lewis. I was definitely rough around the edges but what a gift from God that Tommy would be the first man to mentor me. He impacted my life and I still to this day think back on his influence, love, training and encouragement. I am hosting a men's Bible Study in New Jersey this Saturday and it is flourishing first in part because of the LORD and also because of something Tommy taught me over 30 years ago; take an individual interest and be a master of questions to draw men out.  I will take a moment this Saturday to tell the group of men about Tommy Lewis.....

The LORD, sovereignly called Tommy from before the foundations of the earth and now he's in glory with Son of the Living God and all HIS saints! I thank GOD for Tommy and hope to be as faithful as he was in pouring into others the joy of Christian fellowship.

God bless you Kathy and family.....praying for you all.

"Welcome home," Tom would greet men at Eagle Wings Lodge for Boot Camp. My life was changed forever at one of those Boot Camps. Thank you Tom. I am sure Jesus told you, "Welcome home."

45 years ago, Tom played the trumpet in our wedding while Cheryl walked down the aisle.  We felt honored to have someone from the OSU Marching Band play in our wedding. Tom’s character and kindness surpassed his musical ability at that time, and throughout his fruitful, enthusiastic life. The memory of his joyful countenance remains with us.  Don & Cheryl Hayes

It is hard to imagine boot camps without Tom. He had such a heart for the men who walked through the doors of Eagle Wings spending the entire weekend serving the men through food, prayer or listening. When Tom talked with you, he had a way of making you feel like you were the only one in the room.  He was quick to smile, had a great laugh and had a heart for Jesus. I will miss you brother but am already looking forward to seeing you again when all things will be made new.

I will never forget the first time I walked into Eagle Wings Lodge for a Wild at Heart Boot Camp in 2014.  Tom was in the kitchen getting supper ready.  He turned and said "Welcome!"  and I sensed that it was true.  For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was home.  So many, many wonderful times since then, at subsequent boot camps.  Arriving early to help with preparations, we had fun times and many significant conversations, that affected me deeply.  How I'll miss you, my dear brother.

OBITUARY

Thomas Lewis

16 September, 1955 – 5 October, 2020

Schoedinger Midtown

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