Lewis was born to William and Eva (Deems) Birmelin on August 16, 1932 in Mansfield, Ohio. He was a 1950 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, and attended the Cleveland School of Arts. He played semi-pro football for the Mansfield Rangers. Lewis was a sales representative for Shaw-Barton from Coshocton. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War using his artistic talents to create many signs for his platoon. He used his artistic skills as an outlet, drawing almost every day. He wrote three books that were a collection of thoughts, poems and his artwork. Lewis was a sports enthusiast, using his love for sports as a coach of little league, men’s traveling basketball and football. He raised three sons and coached them in their sporting endeavors. He could be found cheering for his favorite teams; the Buckeyes, Duke and the Indians. He was formerly a member of Amvets Post #26 and the Eagles.
Those who are left to cherish many fond memories of Lewis are his wife, Merry (Kreiner) Birmelin; his children, Brad Birmelin and Bryan (LaRonda) Birmelin; his step-children, Kelly (William) Crowley and Ginger (Matthew) Pelger; his grandchildren, Brandon (Brianna Beckett) Birmelin, Breon Birmelin, Seth Grant, Caleb Grant, Thomas Crowley, Taryn Crowley, Tatum Crowley, Nicklaus Pelger and Daly Pelger; his great-grandchildren, Kaizer, Symere, and Baby Boy Birmelin; his special nephews, William “Billy” Birmelin and Lewis Birmelin; the mother of his children, Nancy Riess; and many cherished family and friends.
In addition to his parents; Lewis was preceded in death by his son, Craig Birmelin; and his siblings, Bill Birmelin and Maizie Rimmele.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:00-11:00 am on Friday, April 26, 2024 at Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield, 98 S. Diamond Street. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am with military honors with Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad. He will be laid to rest in Lexington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friendly House, 380 N. Mulberry Street, Mansfield, OH 44903.
