James R. Lewis

James R. Lewis, age 86, of Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at HCR ManorCare, Whitehall. He was a retired electrician for IBEW, a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean War and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth where he was also a member of the Trustees and Session. He attended Clairton High School, Duquesne University and was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church of Clairton. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for more than 50 years, the Unified Lodge #2 and Old Monongahela Lodge #209, past Nobel Grand 1961, past Chief Patriarch 1961, past District Deputy Grand Master and past member of F&AM #759 in Pleasant Hills. He was a member of Monongahela Encampment #109 for more than 50 years, past Degree Master Degree Lodge #88, and a member of the IBEW for 45 years. He was chairman of the UN Pilgrimage for Youth in Elizabeth for seven years, served on the Committee of UN Pilgrimage for more than 50 years, and served in the 2nd Armored Division in Germany during the Korean War. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion and the Orchard Manor Executive Board in Grove City for six years. Born September 21, 1930 in Clairton, he was a son of the late William Edward and Cora Eleanor (Pease) Lewis. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rita M. (Bowers) Lewis; children, Aritha M. (Bryce) Lewis of Lafayette, LA and Terry Edward (Annette) Lewis of Duncansville; daughter-in-law, Susie Lewis of Ventura, CA; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 10 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Vida Reynolds of Tuscson, AZ; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, James Richard Lewis, Jr.; grandson, Bryce James Lewis; sister, Ora Lewis; and brothers, Edward, Claude and Robert Lewis. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Friday, June 30, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Benjamin Schneider officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp.

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