Herman “Harold” Lewis, 81, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2009, in Manteca.

He was born on April 25, 1928, in Konawa, Oklahoma to Henry and Bertha Lewis.  Mr. Lewis was a resident of Manteca for over 40 years.  He served his country in the United States Air Force for 10 years and was a combat veteran of the Korean War, rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant.  He worked in Manteca for many years as a termite inspector, school custodian, and as an independent craftsman, working on many of the homes in Manteca.

Mr. Lewis leaves behind his loving wife of 51 years, Ruth Lewis (Knepp), and 5 children:  Yvonne Carrillo of Walnut Creek, Gary Lewis and his wife Kim of Roseville, Steve Lewis of Manteca, Sharon Peck and husband George of Manteca, and Timothy Lewis of Manteca.  He was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren: Catherine, Marisa, Matt, Scott, Sean, Robbie, Alexandria, Alyssa, Kevin, Stephanie, and Nathan.  He is survived by his brother Paul and wife Margie of Newcastle, OK, and brother Tommy and wife Mary of Anadarko, OK.  He was preceded in death by his loving parents, his brothers Nolan and Leonard and by his sister Verda.

Harold had a great love of travel and camping.  He was a longtime member and past president of the Manteca Travelers trailer club. He loved driving his motor home, fishing, sitting with his dog Toby, and drinking coffee with his friends at the local coffee shop.  Most of all, Harold was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family.

Mr. Lewis will be laid to rest at Burwood Cemetery in a private ceremony.  A memorial service will be held at Escalon Methodist Church at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the United Methodist Church of Escalon, 2000 Jackson Avenue, Escalon California.

Arrangements by Deegan Funeral Chapel, Escalon with an online register book available at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, June 30, 2009