Robert "Bob" C. Lewis

Bob Lewis was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Active throughout his life, he treasured his years serving the community he loved. Living his life to the fullest and enjoying the company of each and every person who came his way, he leaves behind a rich legacy of accepting all people with compassion. His warm personality, genuine friendship, and loving ways will be deeply cherished by his many special friends and loved ones. His story begins during a time significantly impacted by the effects of the Great Depression. Banks were still closed but there was a promise of a new election year awaiting. During the middle of one of the toughest decades in American history, Richard and Mabel (Passmore) Lewis welcomed home the arrival of their newborn son, Robert, on May 22, 1931, in Battle Creek, Michigan. His birth brought them both great joy during tough economic times. Raised by a set of hard working parents, Bob learned the value of hard day’s work at an early age. His father worked at Eaton and his mother was a local school teacher. They instilled in him the principles of independence and putting forth his best effort in anything he set out to accomplish. Active in his teen years, Bob enjoyed playing basketball in high school earning himself the nickname, Red Rabbit for his bright red hair and speed on the court. Graduating with the Class of 1949 from Climax High School he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve the following fall. That same year he met the love of his life, Joyce, at a local dance hall. When she got home that night after working up a thirst square dancing, she gave her father back the dime he had given her to purchase a pop telling him that a red-headed boy had bought her one! That night was the start of their romance together. Sharing many commonalities, they dated for a short time before joining in marriage on July 29,1950 in a beautiful ceremony. Together they raised four wonderful children; Rick, Keith, Jody, and Linda. Bob and Joyce made their family home in Fulton. He went to work for Eaton and then later Vicksburg schools. Always a steadfast provider to his family, he also enjoyed bartending to supplement his income. Bob loved his community and became the director of maintenance for both Glen Oaks and Kalamazoo Valley Community Colleges. His strong work ethic landed him a position as the fire chief with the Wakeshma Fire Department and he also worked as a local mason and was the Township Supervisor. Any time he was using his hands or working with people his heart was content. He wanted nothing more than the very best for his family and sacrificed many long hours to provide for them over the years. He modeled the importance of living life to the fullest and taking care of the family he so loved. In addition to his career and work interests, Bob also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. An animal lover by nature, he treasured his pets over the years. Although he had several dogs, he also had a pet goat as well as a pet raccoon which surprisingly, he allowed to live in the house! He enjoyed tending to his garden and could literally spend hours on his tractors around their property as well as the home he built in northern Michigan. Bob loved to spend any amount of time outdoors. When it came time for relaxation, Bob enjoyed spending time fishing, gardening as well as listening to his favorite country artists. He also enjoyed his grandchildren immensely. Whenever they were over visiting, nothing brought him greater joy than to tease them and share a moment of laughter together. When Joyce passed away in 2014, Bob leaned on the love and support of his family to see him through. A significant loss, he never quite healed from her passing, yet kept himself actively involved with his family continuing to make many lasting memories. Bob lived his life in service for others. There wasn't anything he wouldn’t do for someone in need. He modeled a lifetime of being a supportive companion, role model, and friend to many. May his warm memories bring comfort to his many close friends and family. May they never doubt the immense love he held in his heart for each and every one of them. Robert “Bob” Lewis, age 89, of Vicksburg, passed away on August 29, 2020. Bob was born on May 22, 1931 to Richard & Mabel (Passmore) Lewis. Visit with his family and friends Wednesday, September 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; Rupert-Durham Chapel; 409 S. Main St. in Vicksburg. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. Bob’s family includes his children: Rick (Sherry) Lewis, Jody (Bill) Jones, Linda (Alan) Copenhafer and his daughter-in-law Carla Lewis; 8 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce; his son Keith. While visiting Bob’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. The family would like to send a special thank you to Leann of Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.