Last Updated on November 4, 2020 by Kroeger Funeral Home
Larry D. Lewis, 86 of Logansport, passed away in his sleep early in the morning Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
His family, including his wife of 65 years, Mary Jalene (Miller) Lewis, and their children, Gary Lewis (Sofia) of Logansport, Sherry Ocker (Jay) of Evansville, and Kerry Lewis of Logansport, had surrounded him in the days leading up to his passing. Larry is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
The oldest child of Billy (Wilma McCoy) and Robert Bowles, Sr., Larry was born in 1934 in Marion County and graduated from Logansport High School in 1952. After working as a block house operator for Pennsylvania Railroad, Larry worked for GTE as a cable splicer for 30 years. His son Gary followed in his footsteps, retiring from the phone company.
Larry and his wife Jalene were lifelong Berries, attending basketball games at the high school into their 80s, along with many of their children’s and grandchildren’s events. Larry also loved getting decked out in IU gear with his son, Kerry, to watch the Hoosiers play basketball. More recent graduates of LHS might recognize Larry and Jalene as former crossing guards.
Larry was proud of his marriage, his family, and his Christmas decorations, probably in that order.
At his grandson’s wedding, when Larry and Jalene were the last dancers left on the floor by the end of the married couples’ dance – a recognition that they were the longest-married couple in attendance – he bragged they were the “best dancers in the world!”
When his daughter Sherry won the Jefferson Award for her nonprofit work in Evansville, Larry declared himself “the father of the best teacher in the world!”
Larry made the local newspaper more than once with images of his incredible holiday light display, and only in the last decade were sons, Gary and Kerry able to dissuade him from climbing on the roof to create his beloved spectacle. A framed photo of the decorated home still hangs in the kitchen, and some of his family’s finest memories include driving around looking at lights.
His family will remember Larry as a playful man. When his children were young, Larry would put shaving cream on his face and chase Gary, Sherry and Kerry around the room to shrieks and giggles. He loved to throw backyard parties, organize the neighborhood kids for backyard basketball tournaments, and relax in his pool.
Fifty years later and though struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, Larry continued being playful with his great-grandchildren, pretending they’d snuck up on him and he would chase them down. He had a great sense of humor.
A graveside service will be held Friday, November 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery. The family requests that due to COVID-19, face masks and distancing are mandatory.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 3500 DePauw Boulevard Suite 1040, Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Kroeger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Family and friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.
The family requests that due to COVID-19, face masks and distancing are mandatory.