Loren Emmett Lewis

1928-2015

Born to Jennie and Harry Lewis in Chico, CA and raised in Durham, CA with 3 brothers (Dan, Jim and Howard). Upon High School Graduation in 1946 Loren entered the Army. Loren did his tour of duty in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1948 attaining the rank of Sergeant. His specialty was receiving and shipping. His awards included WWII Victory Medal and Army of Occupational medal Japan. He served in the United States Army Reserve for the next 23 years where he attained the rank of CW03. He also was in the Military Police Unit and considered an expert marksman. During his USAR service, Loren studied and graduated from CSU Chico with a Masters Degree in Industrial Arts. During his college years he also participated in Choir, Drama, Blue Key National Honor and Service fraternity, Epsilon Pi Tau which recognizes vocational and industrial arts, Scholastic, IOTA Sigma Fraternity, Snow Ski Club and Pioneer Day Chairman. While in school he met and married his wife Barbara in 1953.

That fall he started his teaching career in Sacramento, CA at Stanford Junior High School (3 years) and McClatchy High School (9 years). He then moved his family to Newcastle, CA and transferred to Placer High School in Auburn, CA in 1965 where he developed the first Welding Program at PHS, teaching that subject for the next 23 years.

During these years Loren annd Barbara became proud parents to 4 sons, Greg, Duane, Kurt and Brett. Looking ahead towards retirement Loren decided he and Barbara should plant a mandarin grove and call it Magnolia Hill Orchard, making sure that his endless desire to work could be fulfilled. Loren was very involved in his church, serving in many areas of leadership. Both he and Barbara were committed to New Tribes Mission. They went on several long-term mission trips to Africa and Papua New Guinea, building housing in the jungle for missionary families. They continued their work by loading and shipping 50ft. containers to Missionaries for the next 8 years. In 1997 Loren suffered a massive stroke which ended his missions involvement but never stopped him from working on his recovery, working in his local church, tending his garden and, of course, his endless hours helping to operate his mandarin orchard. Loren also loved playing golf, fishing, hunting and traveling.

Loren is survived by Barbara, his wife of 62 years. Also, son Greg (wife Sherry, 3 sons and 1 daughter, Ryan (wife Liz and daughter August), Jordan, Alex and Kelsey). Son Duane (wife Lynn, 1 son Andrew (wife Michelle) and 1 daughter Kaitlin). Son Kurt (wife Sheri, 1 son Nick, and stepdaughter Rachel). Son Brett (Monique, 2 sons and 2 daughters, Brendan, twins Gabe and Mallory and Rylee).

Memorial services will be held on July 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Sierra Baptist Church, 2215 Auburn-Folsom Rd., Newcastle, CA.