Gary D Lewis

Gary was the youngest of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings, Vera May, Leon, Russell Jr., and Iola. Gary was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith and met his future wife, Ruth Gieselman, at a Walther League gathering. They married in 1960 and had two daughters: Susan and Janice. That marriage ended in 1985 and he married Karen Smitt in 2007.

Gary loved to learn and was the first in his family to receive a higher education degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1957 (then Southeast Missouri State College). He went on to earn his Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He began his teaching career of 30 years at Mehlville High School, then taught American History at Lindbergh High School for the remainder of his career.

He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. He always had fresh vegetables from his garden and apples and peaches from his trees to share.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters Susan (Jay) Byington, and Janice Wiesehan; grandchildren Sarah (Jordan) Sugabo, Adam Byington, Zachary Byington, Katie (Jason) Marsh, Keaton (Carly) Wiesehan, and great-grandson James Wiesehan; along with nieces and nephews.

He entered the Church Triumphant on February 2, 2025. Gary is now residing in all glory with his Lord and Savior, reunited with all who have gone before!