LEWIS, Robert James 1928-2018

LEWIS, ANTHONY

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 11/15/2018 at 20:51:22

Robert “Red” Lewis

Memorial Service: At a Later Date

Robert “Red” James Lewis came into this world on October 18, 1928, in Rinard, Iowa, one of nine children born to William and Nellie (Anthony) Lewis. In 1937, he was sent to the Woodward State School where he lived for the next 39 years with a few of his siblings while others were adopted.

In 1977, Red moved to Waterloo where he was placed in Exceptional Persons Inc’s (EPI) Paige Place. He thrived in the assisted living environment and worked at Goodwill Industries for more than 25 years. In 1987 he was honored for turning in a large sum of money he found when sorting donations one day. He was a hard worker with a warm and infectious personality that made him a loyal and trustworthy friend.

He was a member of the Waterloo Community Playhouse and enjoyed attending their performances. Red loved birds and had feeders to attract them as well as a beloved pet canary named Tweety. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and enjoyed attending some football and basketball games over the years. He loved bowling and won several Gold medals as a participant in the Special Olympics. He was a faithful servant and a member of Grace Baptist Church in Waterloo for decades.

For the last 10 years he was lovingly cared for by the staff at New Aldaya in Cedar Falls. Red was a kind and patient man who positively impacted all who met him. Despite adversities in his life, he chose happiness, positivity and warmth.

Red passed away one week prior to his 90th birthday on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at New Aldaya Lifescapes where he lived and was lovingly cared for during the past 10 years. He leaves many friends to remember him including his long-term friend and guardian, Dawn Luna of Thousand Oaks, CA.

Memorials may be directed to: New Aldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls.

SOURCE: Parrott & Wood Funeral Service (11/15/18)