Richard E. Lewis

Major Richard "Rick" Elkin Lewis, USAF (retired), 74, died June 19, 2012 at his home in Alexandria, Virginia following a decline resulting from a malignant melanoma brain tumor six years earlier. Rick was the son of David Norman Lewis and Helen Elizabeth Armstrong Lewis. He was born on July 28, 1937 in White Township, PA and grew up in Indiana, PA and Los Angeles, CA. He was pre-deceased by his only brother, William Armstrong Lewis. Rick's identity was grounded in his deep Christian faith. He was devoted to his family. Rick was a drummer and strong tenor, and a student of Scripture and history. He had a witty sense of humor and an infectious, full-body laugh. His family cherishes memories of his corny jokes and his response to many life situations: "That reminds me of a song…" Following graduation from University High School (1955), Los Angeles, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958 because it was more family-friendly, and attended Officer Candidate School in 1960. Rick met Andra Deanne McGuire in the chapel choir at China Lake NAS, CA in 1957. Following their marriage on October 30, 1960, Rick and Andra enjoyed life in service to their country, living in Japan, California, Germany, Louisiana, and Virginia. Rick served in Vietnam in 1969-70. Following retirement from the Air Force in July 1975, Rick and Andra made their home in Woodbridge, Virginia. Rick worked in Christian bookstore and church ministry. The couple moved to Lancaster, PA in 1992 and returned to Alexandria, VA in 2000 to be near their children and grandchildren. Living in the parsonage at Faith Fellowship Assembly of God, Rick played the drums, sang, and served as church board Secretary. Rick held a Bachelor of Science in Military Studies from the University of Maryland and a Master of Arts in U.S. History from George Mason University. Rick is survived by Andra, his wife of 51 years, children Kimberly Lewis Dawson (Don) and David A. Lewis (Barbara S. Delap), and grandchildren Nathan R. and Joshua A. Lewis, and Lauren and Jocelyn Dawson. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Faith Fellowship Assembly of God, 7800 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315, 703-971-3802. All are welcome to join the family for luncheon in the church Fellowship Hall following the service. Interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery will take place in early 2013. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to "Rick Lewis Memorial Bible Fund," Faith Fellowship Assembly of God, 7800 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22315, OR to American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)

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Richard E. Lewis

July 28, 1937 - June 19, 2012