Dewayne Leroy Lewis

In the early morning hours of Monday, October 27, 2025, Dewayne Leroy Lewis, 69 years of age, passed away due to heart complications in Salem, OR, where he resided for the last 2 decades. Having just started his shift at one of the Oregon State Capitol buildings where he proudly worked as a Custodian for the last 12 years, Dewayne was unexpectedly invited back home to be with his Heavenly Father.

Born in Denver, CO on December 27th, 1955, Dewayne was raised and spent a large portion of his life in Portland, OR, before meeting his wife Lynn and settling down in South Salem in the early 2000’s. Dewayne briefly attended Jefferson High School, then Benson High where he played baseball, graduating in 1974.

After finishing high school, Dewayne carved out a life for himself and children by doing whatever it took to survive and provide. A hardworking man up until the very end, he started out by spending time helping with the family business, working in restaurant management at various locations, and eventually started and ran his own operation with his handy man / cleaning business. Dewayne eventually found his way to working in the custodial arts within the Capitol Mall buildings in Salem.

Dewayne was known – to all that met him – as one of the happiest, most optimistic and positive men alive. Always laughing and telling stories and jokes, there was never a dull moment with Dewey. He had a giant heart made of gold and was always willing to help and spread love wherever he went. His daughter Hayley captured it perfectly: “he is the best man that I will ever know. He was my best friend”. Dewayne touched the lives of so many around us, and he will be truly missed.

Dewayne had many passions in life: public speaking with Toastmasters, a voracious appetite for reading, a lifelong sports fan, dedicated husband and father. But first and foremost were his love of Christ and the church. As a born-again Christian, he spent years serving both. Not surprisingly, he adored and loved deeply his wife, son and daughter, and grandchildren.

Dewayne is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Lynn Lewis, daughter Hayley Lewis, son Jordan Standridge, along with grandchildren Aya, Santiago, Taylor, Paige and Kodiak. He leaves behind stepchildren Bradley, Kimberly, and Joshua, along with their respective spouses.

Dewayne was the middle child of 3 siblings, born to Vinton (deceased) and Delores Lewis, who still resides in Portland, OR. His older sister Cindy Nelson lives in Washington State, while younger sister Dawn Irwin resides in the Portland area.

A celebration of life will be held at Salem Alliance Church – 555 Gaines St. NE, Salem, OR 97301 on Saturday, November 22nd, at 10am. All are welcome to attend; we will have light snacks and beverages available.

If you’d like to make a donation or contribution in Dewayne’s name, please send to: Marion Polk Food Share.

https://marionpolkfoodshare.org/food-services-pantry/marion-polk-food-share-home-delivery/