H. L. Lewis, age 95, passed away on July 22, 2021, just two days behind his beloved wife. He was born on June 30, 1926 in Los Angeles, CA to the late Albert Leroy Lewis & Frieda Williams Lewis and attended Dorsey High School in Los Angeles. He worked as an inspector for the USDA and was a faithful member of Atonement Lutheran Church as well as a member of the USS Hancock Association.
He was a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy, having joined at the age of 17 to proudly serve and defend God’s Greatest Nation—the United States of America! He fought in the Pacific theater in WWII. The aircraft carrier, USS HANCOCK/CV-19 was where he served as a boatswain mate 2nd class, and was in charge of ammo, surviving 400 + kamikaze attacks. Traveling 442,629 miles on the seas, he saw a lot of the world in his time. From his mother and father, he learned to love sports, and was a star athlete himself in Baseball, Football, Basketball, Surfing, Bowling, Ping Pong, Handball and many other sports. While in the service, he even learned to box and play volleyball as well. Fishing was his other passion.
As a member of the “Greatest Generation”, he was a selfless man. At times, he worked three jobs to support his family, though he said the most important job of his life was to take care of his six kids. He was a proud Dad and a great man.
It was in 1968, with God’s guidance, that he found and married the love of his life, Jan LeCron, whom he followed here to New Orleans. She was another selfless, loving Christian who took in his five kids with a loving heart along with her daughter, Laura, and never looked back! They were married for 53 years and provided a loving home for their family.
Leroy’s father and mentor, Albert Lewis, was a butcher. It was in California that Leroy started his career in the meat industry. After moving to New Orleans in 1971, he worked for Winn-Dixie’s meat processing and Al Copeland’s Diversified Foods & Seasonings. He had a long career afterward working for the federal government as a USDA meat inspector and trainer.
Throughout his peaceful retirement, he volunteered at The Aquarium of the Americas for many years and loved talking about the ocean and aquatic wildlife.
Another passion of Leroy’s was going to the WWII Museum. He was always ready to talk about how important it is to protect our country. He passed on his knowledge and his values. He taught his family good work ethics saying, “You should work your job like you own the company,” and “Rules are made for a reason, follow them.”
The last portion of his life was the most meaningful for him, as it meant more time with his family.
Having faced more perilous situations in his lifetime than 99% of most people, he said, “the reason I’m here, is because God wanted me to be here for my 6 children, 12 grandchildren & 27 great-grandchildren!”
He couldn’t have done it without the love of his life, Janice, who passed away only two days prior to him. Together, they provided their family with an unending reserve of unconditional love and countless wonderful memories. They will both be missed by many. As a great-grandchild in grief said, “But, I wanted them to live forever!”
Leroy was preceded in death by: his beloved wife of 53 years, Janice Lewis; his parents, Albert Leroy Lewis and Frieda Williams Lewis; his daughter, Lita Louise Lewis; his sister, Maxine Searcy; and his granddaughter, Tamara Brien.
He is survived by: his daughters, Karen Rogan (Ed), Dawn Mullen, Laura Melohn (Jim); his sons, Michael Lewis (Mary) and Alan Lewis (Naomi); his sister, Colleen Locke; his grandchildren, Melissa Brien-Nuccio, Amanda Brien-Melvin (Shandon), Krista Brien, Gregory Lewis (Lucy), Brian Lewis (Crystal), Michael Lewis (Alexis), Autumn Mullen, LeAnne Castleman (Darren), Crystal Lewis, Christopher Aucoin-Melohn (Kyle), and Sarah Benitez; and his great-grandchildren, Laila, Luke, Jake, Evie, Colette, Maris, Genevieve, Isaac, Nathaniel, Imelda, Camillus, Ronan, Aimee, Michael, Sebastian, Alexander, Matthew, Michael, Hailey, Viviana, Raphael, Leo, Canyonn, Ryan, Macy, Drew, and Juan Carlos.
The family would like to give special thanks to: Shannon Delatte, RN from St. Michael’s Home Health for her wonderful at home care. Ashton Manor and Haydel Hospice for their supportive and caring staff. Sue Triche and Judy Perhay for the loving care of their fur baby, Maggie Marie.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, 70124 at 11:00 a.m. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. Services will be officiated by Rev. Timothy Schutt. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests donations in the Lewis name to WWII Museum at www.nationalww2museum.org/give OR Audubon Aquarium of the Americas at [email protected] or call (504) 861-5107.
The family invites you to express your fond thoughts, memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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