Robert C Lewis

Dewitt Township

Robert C. Lewis, age 89 died August 17, 2010. Mr. Lewis was born August 8, 1921, in Fulton, NY, the son of Charles T. and Mary Eleanor (Gere) Lewis.

Mr. Lewis was a graduate of Cornell and Michigan State Universities. He served in the Army during World War II and was discharged from active duty with the rank of Captain and retired from the Army Reserve as Major. He came to East Lansing from New York in 1946 to do graduate work, and teach at the then Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science. He received a Masters degree in 1948 and a PhD in 1952. He taught and performed research in dairy cattle physiology until 1958 when he left the University to pursue a career in residential building. In 1967 he and his wife became involved in the restaurant business in East Lansing and Lansing, which they continued until retiring in 1979. In 1981, having decided they were not ready for retirement, they became licensed real estate salespeople and worked at the profession until her death in 1991. Mr. Lewis continued as Closing Broker for his company until retiring in 2001.

Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by Pauline, his wife of 49 years; one brother, Harold; one sister, Catherine Hogoboom and a granddaughter, Stephanie Ann Stow. He is survived by Mary Lou Conlin, his companion of many years; a daughter, Karen (Robert, Sr.) Stow of Louden, TN; a son, Robert P. (Fairala) of Lansing, 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. There will be no services.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Stephanie Ann Stow Scholarship Fund, University Advancement, Western Carolina University, 401 Robinson Building, Cullowhee, NC 28721. Stephanie was killed in an auto accident on her last day as a student teacher. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com