SIERRA VISTA – Lawrence T. Lewis, (Larry) entered into eternal life on May 1, 2018. Larry was born to his parents, Kathryn and John Lewis, in Maryland in November of 1937. Larry spent his childhood with his devoted mother in Massachusetts. He had very fond memories of her and honored his Mother throughout his life. Larry was very proud of his mother’s paintings which hang in his home.
As a young man, Larry joined the Air Force. After Air Force training he married his high school sweetheart, Ellen T. McGreevy, who passed away in 2005. Together they had two boys, Barry and Robert. Most of their time spent in the Air Force was in Anchorage, Alaska.
Following his service, Larry returned to school and obtained his PhD in Geography from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. He then accepted a position as a professor at Western Illinois University and moved his family to Macomb. Larry never missed a day of work during his more than 35-year career. His respect for education led him to obtain a Master’s degree in Computer Science during his tenure at Western. After Ellen’s passing, he continued with their plans to retire in Arizona.
In 2005, Larry moved to Sierra Vista. He joined St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church where he volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Larry served as president of the local chapter of SVdP for two years. He enjoyed spending his time helping others in need as he was a gentle spirit with a patient heart.
At a church social function, Larry met Mary Ellen Chase, who would become his wife in 2007. They lived in Sierra Vista and spent much of their time traveling together. Their first adventure was to Rome where they saw many beautiful sights including the Vatican. They traveled to four foreign countries and reached their goal of visiting all of the 50 United States. Larry kept his vow to Mary Ellen and cared for her through sickness; at the end of his life, she did the same for him.
Larry will always be loved and remembered by his sons, Barry and Robert, one grandson, one granddaughter McKenzie, his wife Mary Ellen and her family.
The family wishes to thank Cheryl, Jaiden, Julia, Mickey, Pat, and Bill for their very special care during Larry’s long illness.
The celebration of life for Larry will be held at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 800 Taylor Dr N W. The Rosary will be at 11:15, with mass at 12:00 on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Interment will follow at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon at the church after the interment.
In lieu of flowers, Larry’s request was that donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 616 Bartow Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.
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