Bennie Lewis, age 79, of Ames died Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be 3:00 - 7:00PM with the family present 5:00 - 7:00 PM Friday, April 27, 2012 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way with a 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, celebration of life memorial service at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care in Ames with burial at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Bennie was born January 15, 1933 in Hollandale, Minnesota the son of Glenn and Tillie (Schoon) Lewis. He married Norma Pyle on April 6, 1952 in Spokane, Washington. He was a Korean War veteran, served in the US Air Force, and was a member of the William F. Ball American Legion Post # 48 Nevada, Iowa. The couple moved from Hampton to Nevada where they farmed before moving to Ames in 1976. Bennie worked for the Ames Lab Department of Energy at Iowa State University. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, baking, golfing and traveling.
Bennie is survived by his children, Kathi Hartwig of Davenport, Steve (Patti) Lewis of Ames, and Karen (John) Howerton of Collins, 10 grandchildren, Allen (Kelley) Hartwig, Amy (Darren) Hess, Jessica (Jeremy) Hayman, Ben, Tyler, and Rebecca Lewis, Leslie (Tracy) Geffre, Johnny (Kristi) Howerton, Brandon (Hannah) Buzzell and Shannon Buzzell, 11 great grandchildren, Elsie Mae Hartwig, Anissa, Lily, and Jeremy Hayman, Levi and Jaxon Lewis, Carter and Myajean Geffre, Dillion Howerton and Dylen Buzzell and Kailyn Howerton, sisters Irene (Daryl) DeVires of Ackley and Inez (Stan) Winters Iowa Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma Jean, two sisters and a brother.
Memorials may be directed to Israel Family Hospice House
On line condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
Some of my fondest memories are of growing up on E Ave. next to the Lewis family! Sorry I can not be at the service for Bennie, but know that your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
The entire Maxwell Avenue neighborhood has never been the same since Benny and Norma moved for health reasons. They always made extra coffee for our block parties, we played cards together, sat outside on wasrm summer nights just visiting, and when they went to the lake in the summer in MN, we could hardly wait for their return. We lost touch after Christmas and will always regret not learning of Bennie's being at Israel House until reading his obituary in the paper tonight. We will never forget Bennie's wonderful laugh and compassionate heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family whom we know he loved very much.
My grandpa was the best! He (Bennie) and grandma (Norma) would take care of all of us grandkids during the summers. We would go fishing and camping up at the Dells. He always made us animal-shaped pancakes, not just Mickey Mouse either. Grandpa always took care of everyone else. He had so much energy and an unforgettable sparkle. I will miss him so much.
Uncle Benny was a kind and gentle man who loved his family and enjoyed life. I will always be proud of him.
I remember when we were growing up going to my grandparents that lived next door to Bennie. I always thought he was a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
Ames, IA 50010
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