Leon Leroy “Lee” Lewis

Leon Leroy “Lee” Lewis, 91, of Butler died peacefully Saturday after a short illness.

He was born June 20, 1926, in Butler, to Leon L. Lewis Sr. and Elma Bauer Lewis.

Mr. Lewis was born at 644 New Castle St. in Butler and lived there most of his adult life until moving in 2011 to Concordia's senior living in Cabot.

Mr. Lewis married Mary Louise McAnallen on Aug. 26, 1949, and enjoyed more than 67 years of love and companionship.

Mr. Lewis was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. He graduated from Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry.

Mr. Lewis initially worked at the Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corp. Research Laboratory, and then as a research chemist for Callery Chemical Co. from 1952 to 1965 on DOD classified research (rocket fuels).

Mr. Lewis then moved to U.S. Steel in 1965 as a research chemist, retiring from there in 1991. While at U.S. Steel, he was responsible for securing three patents for various steel and tin plating processes.

Mr. Lewis was known for his quiet and calm manner, his far-ranging intellect and incredible memory, but most importantly for his love of his family and his church. He served as a deacon and elder at the North Street Christian Church and as a deacon, elder and chairman of the board for a number of years at the Oaks Hills Christian Church. Mr. Lewis also volunteered for the Visiting Nurses of Western Pennsylvania, Hospice Services for 23 years.

Throughout his life, he cared for friends and family, running errands, performing household maintenance, always teaching, explaining how things worked and telling stories.

He raised three children and helped to raise and love eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren with one more on the way. He was a devoted son and brother, favorite uncle, loyal friend, beloved grandfather, remarkable father, and loving husband.

Mr. Lewis is survived by his wife, Mary Louise; one daughter, Vicki Lewis Eicher, and her husband, Don, of Downingtown, Pa.; his son, Lesley Lewis, and his wife, Nancy Ritter, Lewis of Lexington, Ky.; and his son, Lynn Lewis, and his wife, Jodi Nace Lewis, of Chardon, Ohio.

Mr. Lewis has eight grandchildren: Bryan Lewis, Geoffrey Lewis, Evan Lewis, Kristin Schaffer Ramsey, Beth Schaffer, Jodie Winkler, Michael Lewis and Stephen Lewis; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his son, Bryan Lee Lewis; three brothers, Charles Lewis, Gilbert Lewis and Walter Lewis; and one sister, Rose Lewis Greenawalt.

LEWIS — Friends of Leon Leroy “Lee” Lewis, who died Saturday, June 24, 2017, will be received from 10 a.m. until time of service at noon Saturday at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler, with the Rev. Ty Sabella officiating.Private burial will take place later at the Rose Hill Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Visiting Nurses of Western Pennsylvania, Hospice Services.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.