Lewis M. Elton

Lewis was born on August 28, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Regina and Martin Elton. He was raised and educated in Cleveland, Ohio, which remained home for most of his life.

As a boy, Lewis attended the Jewish Orphan Home, later known as Bellefaire, while his mother worked as a nurse during the war. It remained an important part of his life through his volunteer work, alumni involvement, and the meaningful lifelong friendships he formed there. After completing his schooling in Cleveland, he proudly served in the United States Army during the postwar occupation of Germany. His military service and love of country remained important to him throughout his life, and he was a member of the Jewish War Veterans.

After returning home, Lewis attended Fenn College, now Cleveland State University, where he earned his degree in chemical engineering. Chemical engineering was more than a career to Lewis—it was a lifelong passion and a reflection of his intelligence, curiosity, precision, and determination. During his career, he helped design and build refinery plants throughout the world. He took great pride in his work and remained interested in engineering long after his retirement.

In 1953, Lewis married his beloved wife, Berta Seldner Elton. Together, they raised three children: Steven, Carolyn “Carol”, and Rosalyn. Berta predeceased him in 2002 after nearly 50 years of marriage.

Lewis was devoted to his family and enjoyed the professional and social organizations that were an important part of his life. He was a man of strong beliefs who approached everything he did with conviction, discipline, and purpose.

His remarkable intellect remained with him until the end. Even as his body became frail, his mind stayed extraordinarily sharp. He continued managing his own healthcare and financial affairs, working on his computer, revisiting calculus and engineering, and carefully reviewing documents—often catching a discrepancy down to the last zero. He also enjoyed following current events and watching his favorite news programs. The clarity and independence he retained throughout his life were truly a gift.

Lewis was predeceased by his parents, Regina and Martin Elton; his sister, Ruth; his beloved wife, Berta; his daughter, Carolyn “Carol” Lunar; and his later-in-life longtime companion, Carol.

He is survived by his son, Steven (Patty) Elton; his daughter, Rosalyn Elton; his son-in-law, Dale Lunar; his grandchildren, Loretta (Paul) Michalski, Veronica, Rebecca, Ben Lunar, and Andrew (Mattisen); his great-grandchildren, Riley and Stetson; and Karen and Sharon, the daughters of his longtime companion, Carol.

Lewis lived a long and meaningful life defined by devotion to family, intellectual curiosity, professional accomplishment, patriotism, perseverance, and strength of character. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Lewis will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Berta, at Mount Olive Cemetery in Solon, Ohio. Service details will be updated once finalized.