William "Bill" Lee Lewis...Age 84

VISITATION: 9:30-11:00 A.M. SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2013

EDDY-BIRCHARD CHAPEL

SERVICE: 11:30 A.M. GRAVESIDE, OSAWATOMIE CEMETERY

WITH MILITARY HONORS

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William Lee “Bill” Lewis, age 85, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Osawatomie, Ks. passed away August 28, 2013 at the Olathe Medical Center.

Bill was born August 29, 1928 in Everton, Missouri, the third of four children to Ernest and Edith Lewis. His family moved to Ft. Scott, Ks. when Bill was eight years old. Bill grew up there and attended Ft. Scott schools. Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Hancock. After his discharge he attended Ft. Scott Junior College where he received his Associates’ Degree.

On May 29, 1949 Bill was united in marriage to Mary Lou Lowry in Everton, Mo. They were happily married for 64 years.

Bill received his Bachelor of Science degree from Ottawa University in 1955 and his Masters Degree in Education from Pittsburg State University in 1958. Bill was Elementary Principal at Parker, Ks for 4 years, La Cygne, Ks. for 3 years. He moved to Osawatomie, Ks. where he was Principal for 32 years, retiring in 1989.

Bill served as President of the Miami County Teachers Association. He was a member of the Kansas and National Association of Elementary Principals and National Association of Secondary Principals. He was a member and Past President of the Miami County Retired Teachers Association. He served as President of the Osawatomie Rotary Club and helped with Christmas in October for many years.

Bill’s hobby was refinishing antique furniture. He enjoyed his hobby to the fullest as long as his health permitted.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou; his daughter Pam and husband Jim Haas of Overland Park, Ks; his son Bill and wife Julie Lewis of Stilwell, Ks; He also leaves his much adored grandchildren, Rob and Kelly Haas of Prairie Village, Ks; Will and Stacey Gibson of Fairway, Ks; Kyle and Ashley Warta of Prairie Village, Ks; Erin Lewis and Ben Lewis of Stilwell, Ks; three great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Leah Haas and Gianna Gibson.

Bill was a very devoted husband and will lovingly be remembered and held dear in the hearts of his children and grandchildren for his loving nature and his kind and gentle spirit. He loved his family and was so loved in return.