Stewart E. "Stew" Lewis

LaOtto – Stewart “Stew” Lewis, 88, of LaOtto, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024 at The Terrace at Fort Wayne.  He was born in Wabash, IN, on June 20, 1936 to Glen and Bertha (Kumley) Lewis.  He was a graduate of Huntertown High School.  He was a veteran, serving in the US Navy.   For 42 years, Stew was a sheet metal worker working for the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local #20.  He also worked in the fields farming hay.  Stew was active in his community and belonged to the Huntertown Lions Club, Garrett American Legions Post #178, the Masonic Lodge, ALPCA (Auto License Place Collectors Association), and the Sheet Metal Workers Union SMW Local #20 Retirees.  Stew was also a long time member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Avilla.  On August 9, 1986, in Fort Wayne, he married Arlene Jean Dollarhite.  Arlene passed just 36 hours before Stew, on Sunday, November 10, 2024. 

Survivors include son, Adam (Heather) Lewis of Auburn; daughter, Jody Lewis of Kendallville; stepsons, Kevin Fryback of Fort Wayne, Kenneth Fryback of Decatur, Keith Fryback of Fort Wayne; stepdaughters, Sara (Gary) Mattax of Fort Wayne, and Sharon (Mike) Wilber of LaOtto.  Also surviving are grandchildren, Cassie, Rowan, Rhiannon, and Raven; great grandchildren, Gavin, Hadley, Ollie, and Ruby; brothers, William “Bill” (Sue) Lewis, and Larry “Smoke” Lewis both of Fort Wayne; and sisters, Glenna Robinson, and Shirley Lewis both of Fort Wayne.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian Lewis; brother, David Lewis; and sisters, Loretta Pedigo, and Bettie Beagan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am, Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 228 N Main St., Avilla, with visitation from 10:30 until time of mass.  Visitation also from 1-3pm and 5-7pm Monday, November 18, 2024 at Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla.  Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 3:00pm on Monday at the funeral home.  Burial with military honors will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Avilla.

Contributions in Stew’s memory may be directed to Masses at St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Labre Indiana Mission School in Ashland, MT.

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