Gerald Zane Lewis

Gerald was born in Lanare, California on November 10, 1919 to Oscar Edward and Vera Lavelle Lewis. He attended Bender, Riverdale and Grant schools. He graduated from Laton High School in 1939. He married the love of his life, Venita Dillard on May 3, 1939 in Laton, California and they made their home in Laton for 69 years. He drove a milk truck for three years. Gerald worked in the oil fields for 40 years for Amerada and Samson Resources, retiring in 1983. He loved life and was very active, enjoying hunting and fishing. Gerald also enjoyed tinkering and could fix most anything. Following his retirement, he and his dog, Goldie would ride his golf cart around town and they visited the post office daily. She was his eyes and ears. He served as President of the Laton Water District with 25 years of service and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a man of God, attending Laton Pentecostal Church of God, where he served as Deacon for 50 years, and Secretary/Treasurer for 27 years. Gerald was a Los Angeles Dodger fan and liked car races. His favorite driver was Tony Stewart. Gerald enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their sports and activities. He never complained – Gerald was a treasure and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Venita preceded him in death on April 3, 2008 and he was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Lewis and sister, Jean Dillard.

Gerald is survived by his daughter, Donna Lee of Laton, CA; his son, Larrie Lewis and wife Betty of Laton, CA; one brother, Julius Lewis and wife Inez of Fillmore, CA; grandchildren, Kevin Lee, Steven Lee, Susan Hamilton, Lori Hill, Marty Lewis, Cindy Blanchard and; 11 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren and many, many friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 4 – 7 p.m. at People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty Street in Hanford, CA. Celebration of Life services will be held at People’s Funeral Chapel of Hanford on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Laton, CA.

Remembrances may be made to Laton Pentecostal Church of God Building Fund, PO Box 175, Laton, CA 93242.

Condolences may be offered at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements entrusted to People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584-5591