FORT MYERS BEACH, FL
Gary W. Lewis, 70, passed away Monday morning, August 10, 2020. He was a resident of Fort Myers Beach, FL, and a former long time resident of Greenwood and Unionville.
He was born September 15, 1949 in Sidney, OH to Herbert and Virginia (Short) Lewis.
He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Patton on August 21, 1971 in Centerville, OH.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lewis; two sons, Brian (Mary) Lewis of Greenwood and Kevin Lewis of Greenwood; sister, Debra (Denny) Meyer of Hamler, OH; and three grandchildren, Ava, Issac, and Will.
Gary graduated from Centerville High School near Dayton, Ohio. After one year at Ohio State University, he transferred to and graduated from Franklin College with a degree in economics.
During his high school and college years, he worked for the G.C. Murphy Company in the Management Training Program. After college, he spent a couple of years “on the road” as a sales representative for the American Greetings Corporation. In 1972, Gary obtained his Real Estate Brokers License and went to work for the W.B. Meyers Agency in Greenwood. He also joined the Indiana Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and the Metropolitan of Board of Directors.
In January 1975, he joined the F.C. Tucker Company, Inc, and was appointed manager in September of that year. He has been a member of the F.C. Tucker Company’s Executive Club and Champions Club. He was appointed Senior Vice President in 1987. In 1991, Gary was elected by his fellow realtors to represent them on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors. While on the Board of Directors, he served as chairman of the personnel committee and treasurer of the MIBOR Service Corporation.
Gary changed his career to his lifelong passion in 2000, becoming Senior Vice President at Raymond James Investments in Greenwood. He was a member of the Multi Year Leaders Club, one of the higher recognition clubs at Raymond James. He partnered with Doug Stewart and James Evans in 2012, becoming Stewart, Lewis and Evans, retiring in January 2018.
He also served on the Board of Directors of JP Morgan Bancshares, Citizens Bank of Indiana, First Bank, and Lincoln Bank. After Lincoln Bank merged with First Merchants Bank in 2009, he remained with the bank as a community director until 2012. He also served as a member of the Community Corrections Boards for both Johnson County and Brown County.
Gary comes from a rich heritage of Masons. During his high school years, he was active in the Far Hills Chapter, Order of DeMolay, serving as Master Councilor of his chapter in 1967. He is a charter member of the Miami Valley Priory in Dayton, and received the DeMolay Legion of Honor award. He was raised a member of Southport Masonic Lodge #270, F. & A. M. in February of 1982. In April of that year, he joined the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite and the Murat Shrine. He was a Commander-In-Chief of the Indiana Consistory in 2006, and was elected to receive his Thirty-Third degree in September 2000.
While a member of the Murat Shrine, he became an apprentice clown named “Bubba”. In 1986, he was appointed to the officer’s line of the Clowns, and became President of that unit in 1990. He was instrumental in this units most successful fund raising and membership efforts. He took great pride in participating in annual trips to the Shrine Hospitals to visit and entertain patients.
He was very proud to be a part of founding the Murat Shrine Movers and Sheikers Club in 1992. He has served on the Murat Personnel, Insurance, Budget, Finance, Investment, and Business Development committees. He was elected Potentate of the Murat Shrine in 2000.
Gary remained active in many Masonic units, including the Kowad ‘al Sabikin, Knights of Venus, Hillbilly Clan No. 14, La-Or-Ma Shrine Club, Order of Quetzalcoatl, Murat Arab Patrol, and the Murat Shrine Chanters.
Gary and Barb spent many years between Lake Lemon and Fort Myers Beach, FL. Gary enjoyed becoming a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, serving as Financial Officer for Flotilla #9 in Fort Myers Beach.
Gary had a lifelong love of boats, enjoying boating on Lake Lemon and Fort Myers Beach, and at surrounding areas. He spent his retirement catching live bands with his bride of 48 years on Fort Myers Beach, acting as confident to his two sons who both have successful careers in logistics, all while trying to keep up with his loving active grandchildren. He never missed a good sunset with family and friends while keeping the conversation lively.
Calling hours will take place on Sunday, August 16, 2-7 p.m., at The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 Whiteland Road, Bargersville, IN 46106. A funeral will take place Sunday at 7 p.m. at The Sycamore, followed by Masonic rites and a Thirty-Third Masonic carnation tribute.
Due to recent COVID-19 mandates, all guests are required to wear face coverings or masks at the visitation and services.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Murat Temple, 510 N. New Jersey Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, 525 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
You are invited to read Gary’s online obituary at www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com, where you may sign the online register book or leave a condolence for the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson St.Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.
