Lewis was born on January 24, 1934, in Ballard County, Kentucky, to Armon and Helen (Sullivan) Lowery. They preceded him in death. He married Shirley Smith on October 13, 1959, in East Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are two children, Melissa (Bill) Dusseau and Tim Lowery; three grandchildren, Nikki (Shawn) Combs, Craig (Jessica) Dusseau, and Bill Dusseau; six great-grandchildren, Ian, Nicholas, Aiden, Ashton, Carson, and Hallie; and two sisters, Glenice Dulworth and Armona Stroud.
Lewis served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked at Caterpillar for 36 years retiring as an electrician. Enjoying sports throughout his life, Lewis played basketball in high school and college. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and you could always hear him cheering them on and offering a commentary on their performance. He loved to sing and enjoyed the time spent with friends in his church choir, the Pekin Barbershop Chorus, and the Snyder Village Gospel Choir.
A private funeral service was held at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria, with Pastor Gary Salm officiating. Burial was in Fondulac Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Snyder Village Resident in Need Fund.