Tyrone Christopher Lewis Jr.

Tyrone was born to Veleria Jennings Lewis and Tyrone Christopher Lewis, Sr. on February 26, 1976, in Clinton, Oklahoma. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1994, where he was a Leader of Tomorrow and excelled in athletics and made the all-state team in nearly every sport. Tyrone helped lead the Red Tornadoes to victory in the baseball championship his senior year. In 1999, Tyrone enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and bravely served our country until his honorable discharge in 2003. During his time in the armed forces, Tyrone voluntarily served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. On October 25, 2003, Tyrone married Erica Hightower and their union was blessed with three children: Tyrone, Titus, and Teaghan.

It was easy to recognize that Tyrone was a joyful person with a heart for helping others. His contagious laugh and bright smile could light up a room. Tyrone committed his life to the Lord at an early age and his love for Jesus was evident as he actively served in church. He was an exceptional father to his beloved children and he also advocated for the unborn, through his love and support of the Eden Clinic. Tyrone was a hard worker who used his creative energy to craft everything from construction projects to delicious meals. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tyrone was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ogenia and Walter Player; his maternal grandparents, Velma and Wardell Jennings; his paternal grandparents, Lola and Ira Lewis; and his uncle, Earnest Lee Daniels.

Left to cherish Tyrone’s memory are his wife, Erica DeShannon Lewis; children, Tyrone Christopher Lewis III, Titus Christian Lewis, and Teaghan Christina Lewis; parents, Veleria Jennings Lewis and Tyrone Christopher Lewis, Sr.; siblings, Angie and Ira Lewis; nephews, Marquis Bryson, A-Vont Bryson, Atrel Bryson, and Kingston Lewis, all of Clinton; aunts, Deborah Lewis of Atlanta, Shirley Burris, Nancy Gosier, and Jenell Lister; great-aunt, Mary Jo Gresham; uncle, Jeffrey Stevenson; mother- and father-in-law, June and Phillip Walker of Oklahoma City; special cousins, Tony Harper, Jo Burris, Tracy Northington, Kristy Butler, and Jodi Lewis; and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Primrose Funeral Service in Norman from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20 and from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21. A memorial service will be held at Bethany Baptist Church in Clinton at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 21. Funeral services will be held at Journey Church in Norman at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 with Rev. Glenn Quirk and Kevin Dent officiating. Interment to follow at Clinton City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tyrone Lewis, Jr. Family Memorial Fund at Arvest Bank.