Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis, 95, the youngest of eight children, was born on 2/4/24 to Ella Mae Barbee and Alfred Nathan Lewis in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the last surviving of his siblings Ruby (Red Laster), Everett (Grace), Ray, Kate, Helen (O.D. Sharp) and Denny (Hoot Gibson). Jerry played football at Central High School and at Southwestern College in Kansas, where he also worked as a fireman. He left school in 1943 to join the Marines during World War II. He served in Okinawa, Guam, the Marshall Islands and Midway and achieved the rank of Corporal. On returning home from war, he briefly attended Colorado State College with thoughts of becoming a forest ranger.

Jerry met his wife Ruth after the war while stationed on Prudence Island. They were married for 70 years. Jerry returned with Ruth to his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri where he completed a diploma program in auto mechanics and began working as a mechanic, and his wife as an R.N. Jerry worked at Chrysler/Plymouth dealerships, including Bill Neal and Crawford.

There are many fond memories of Lewis family get-togethers, family vacations, gatherings with work friends, and companionship with neighbors.

Jerry was known as a good and decent man. Though he was thought of as quiet and serious, he had a great sense of humor. He applied his creativity and artistic talent to family projects, tackled many repair and building projects with ease, and generously shared his knowledge.

Jerry leaves his wife, Ruth, and children Carolyn (Klaus), Gary (Mary), and Nancy (Peter). He also leaves behind grandchildren Andy, Matthew (Allison), Margret (Duncan), and Danja, and great grandson Casey. There are many nephews, nieces, extended family members, friends and neighbors. He was held in high esteem by all and will be greatly missed.

The Memorial Service will be held at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow the service at Centerview, 227 Municipal Circle, Raymore, MO.