Lewis Romeo Brent

Lewis Romeo Brent, age 78, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on January 19, 2020. Lewis was born October 4, 1941 in Alcorn, MS the eldest of three sons to Paul Lewis Brent and Emma Ernestine (Brown) Brent. The family relocated to Detroit, MI in 1943 where he grew up and at the age of 17, graduated from the newly integrated, Cass Technical High School in 1958. Lewis’ education credentials include an Associate of Applied Science Degree from the United States Air Force and a Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) in Management, Human Resources in 1990 from Park University (Missouri).

Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force in February 1959 where he served faithfully culminating in a 28 year military career achieving the rank of Senior Master Sargent (E-8) with service in the overseas areas of the Far East (Taiwan, Korea, and the Philippines) and Europe (Germany), also serving in Texas, Mississippi, Florida and Arizona, receiving many honors and recognition including The Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf clusters; The Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with 2 clusters, The Air Force Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Medal. This military career included service with the National Security Agency, The Air Force Tactical Air Command, and the Air Training Command. In 1985, Lewis relocated his family to Mesa, AZ where they have resided since. After retiring from the Air Force in 1987, Lewis began a 24-year career in the aviation industry with America West Airlines, and U.S. Airways, and American Airlines based out of Phoenix, Arizona, retiring in 2011.

Lewis Brent was a believer in Christ and was an advocate for change. He did not subscribe to the idea that somebody else was going to do it but took an active leadership role in every area of his life. Lewis was dedicated to community service and the uplifting of the educational and personal growth of his fellow man. He was a lifetime member of the Air force Association, a member of the American Legion, and served as a member of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame committee. Much of this attention was directed through his efforts as a Prince Hall Mason (the oldest black fraternity of men in the United States) beginning in 1975, working his way through many positions of responsibility, communities (domestic and foreign), and related fraternal societies until his death. He served the Masonic fraternity in many offices and capacities, culminating in being elected to the office of Grand Master of Masons of Arizona (the most prestigious honor accorded), and Grand Inspectors General (33rd Degree) of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry, allowing him the opportunity to work world-wide to improve the lifestyle and purpose of the citizenry.

Lewis began his formal ministry in 1955 as a youth leader in St. Philips Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan. He never left his faithful service to God, serving in many spiritual roles including Coordinator of Services, and on special projects and programs of Epiphany Lutheran Church, of Chandler, Arizona.

A devoted family man, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Marcella June Brinson at the age of 19 on April 2, 1961 and through this union fathered their only daughter Laurin Michele Brent in March 1962. Together they lovingly raised their family for 58 years. Lewis Romeo Brent lived a full and vibrant life. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Emma Brent and brother Clifford Brent. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Marcella June Brent and daughter Laurin Michele (Brent) Leonard, brother Donald Brent and wife Rhonda Terry, granddaughters Je’Kenya Leonard, Candyce (Leonard) Steele and husband Robert (Tony) Steele Sr, Regina Leonard and Sarah Leonard, grandsons Je’Mal Leonard and Emmanuel Leonard and wife Erica (Cotton) Leonard, great granddaughters Amaia Chanay Evans and Edyn June Nicholson, great grandsons DaMarius, Robert Antonio Jr (TJ) and Robert Jayden (RJ) Steele, Elyjah and Ezriel Rubin, D’Andre and Erick Leonard, nieces and nephews along with a host other family and good friends.