Jerry Wayne Lewis

Born in 1948 in East St. Louis, Jerry’s family moved to Granite City when he was in high school, and he remained there to raise his family. A gifted drummer and vocalist, Jerry began the pursuit of his musical career at the young age of 13 and ultimately went on to form The (Rocken’) JL's in 1963, opening for and playing alongside such iconic bands as The Who, The Eagles, Three Dog Night, Joe Cocker, and Survivor.

In 1972, Jerry chose to shift his focus from music to the fire/ambulance service to support and care for his young family. He devoted nearly four decades of his life to the chemical industry around St. Louis, managing plant resources for both Akzo Nobel and Nuplex Resins, from which he retired in 2008.

Jerry was a prankster, who loved horror films and scaring people. Halloween was THE holiday in his mind. He was notorious for his yard decor in October. People flocked from miles around to be scared and to stand in awe of his elaborate displays and costumes. He was active in his community, serving neighbors through the Caseyville Moose Lodge, and coaching Khoury league softball in Caseyville. He was devoted to several lifelong friends and his beloved New York Yankees.

To know Jerry was to know the true meaning of merriment. He was selfless and had a phenomenal sense of humor. Jerry brought joy and laughter to the people around him his entire life, even when he was suffering the past few years. He was fiercely dedicated to his family and doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jerry’s goal in life was to be known as a “helluva nice guy” which he accomplished ten times over.

Jerry is survived by his soulmate of 57 years, Sheila Lewis; daughters Jeri Wilson and Keri (Jeff) Kersten; son Kevin (Angie) Lewis; grandchildren Cameron George, Courtney (Jorge) Gonzalez, Caylee (Cody) George, Matthew Lewis, Kade Lewis, Aiden Lewis, Norah Kersten, Halas Kersten, MacKinnon Lewis, and great-grandchildren Erick Gonzalez, Abel Gonzalez, and Mariano Gonzalez; sisters Madaline Simpson and Diane (Jerry) Wingerter; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Mable and Ray Lewis, brother Leroy Lewis, brother-in-law William Simpson, and grandson Alec Lewis.

Jerry Lewis was one of the funniest and most entertaining men you would ever meet.

A visitation for Jerry will be held Monday, August 28, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, IL. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Lake View Funeral Home, officiated by Cameron Lawrence. Interment to follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeViewFuneralHm.com for the Lewis family.