John Raymond Lewis

John Raymond Lewis, 72, of Pocatello, Idaho passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 surrounded by his family and friends. His death was related to complications due to COPD.

John was born on September 12, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri to Raymond and Ruth Lewis. He attended school at Whitier Elementary, Franklin Junior High, and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1959 where he played the trumpet and sousaphone for the band. The highlight of his high school years was marching in the Portland Oregon Rose Parade. He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord from 1959-1960, when his Father became ill and he needed to come home and take care of the family. He continued his service and retired from the Air Force Reserve. In 1961, he married Linda Newsom, with whom he had two children. They later divorced. After searching, he found his high school sweetheart, the one he claimed got away. On April 30, 1971, he married Gale Monroe, and continued his family. He was the proud father of seven.

John liked to work with his hands and make everything a masterpiece. He was a painter and professional photographer for many years. John worked at Pocatello Lumber, Muffler Warehouse, and owned Pocatello Fire Equipment. He was the projectionist at the Sunset Drive-In Theatre and Starlite Cinemas. It was a job he truly loved. Later, he became the manager of Alameda Triplex Theatre where he won many awards for his sales, professionalism, and his St. Patrick's Day green popcorn. His last job was at Herb's RV as parts manager. John could find any part that customers were looking for. He would go to great lengths to search and have shipped in the odd piece that everyone said was inconceivable to find. People knew that if they were looking for the impossible, John was the one. He became disabled in December 1993 after a long bout with pneumonia and sepsis. The doctors feared John would not make it home and asked the family to say goodbye. He was a stubborn man and loved life. John fully intended on using all of his nine lives. After escaping this brush with death, he went on to live and be creative. Aside from work, he spent his time photographing individuals, weddings, and reunions. People would come looking for him to paint a sign for them or write some calligraphy. John knew all these things were becoming a lost art, but insisted on doing everything the old fashioned way. His calligraphy was unmatched. He loved hunting, fishing for the ultimate sturgeon, woodworking, gardening, taking photos, listening to music, fixing things, going to the ballet, traveling to Yellowstone, socializing, finding a good deal, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He wanted to make sure that everyone had a chance to catch a fish with Grandpa. Everything he did was done with pride and he was not satisfied until it was perfect. He spent a lot of time on projects, but you knew it would be worth the wait.

John is survived by his wife, Gale, his seven children; Claudette (Mike) Miera, Russell (Linda) Lewis, Allen (Janean) Lewis, Lynnette (Dan) Brown, Connie (Bob) Sistrunk, Ruth (Todd) Orr, and GioVanna (Michael) Geller, 15 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters; Corda (Jim) Adams, Marietta Cowen, and one brother, Clesie (Saundra) Lewis.

The family would like to say thank you to Access Home Health and Hospice for all the help and support over the past six months. A special thanks to Trevor (a very special nurse), Mary (week-end nurse who went above and beyond), and Julienne (bath-aide). You all cared for John as we would. Kristy and Dave, you made a tough time easier. And most importantly, to Gary (occupational therapist), you were a friend who brightened John's day, laughed with him, encouraged him, and empowered him to push on.

A memorial service will be held for John at Rocky Mountain Ministries, 845 Hyde Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho on Friday, May 23, at 2:00 p.m.