Patrick Benson Lewis

Patrick Benson Lewis Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Benson Lewis, 96, formerly of Coldspring, Texas passed away June 22, 2017 in Gallipolis, Ohio. Pat was born April 24, 1921 in Oil City, Louisiana to the late Eaton and Gladys Lewis. Pat spent his youth in Oil City, living with his grandparents, Daddy Reed and Big Mama, working at their filling station and playing football for Oil City High School. While in high school Pat met the love of his life Lorene Chipman. Pat and Lorene, who survives him, married on April 1, 1943 and enjoyed 74 years of marriage. Three children were born into this marriage, Chuck (who proceeded him in death), Diane (Sara) and Jere (Brenda), who survive Pat. Two granddaughters who lovingly called Pat “Granddaddy” survive as well, Michelle Lewis Czulada and Sara Lewis Novak (Justin). Five great grandchildren, Sydney Czulada, Kevin Czulada, Sophia Marino, Emma Marino and Logan Novak survive “Great Granddaddy.” Pat is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Cade and Mary Sydney Nelms, sister and brother-in-law Sheila and Ron Bourbeau, many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and son, two brothers and sister-in-laws proceeded him in death, Keith and Beaty Lewis and Jere and Jean Ann Lewis. Lieutenant Colonel Lewis was a true American hero. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on November 18, 1943. After basic training Pat enrolled in flight school and became a bombardier pilot. Pat flew 25 missions in the European theater during the strategic campaign against Nazi Germany as a member of the 388th Bombardment Group of the 8th Army Air Corps. He then transferred to the 768th Bombardment Group of the 20th Army Air Corps and flew 17 missions in the Pacific theater. After WWII Pat became a flight instructor and was stationed in Nebraska, Arizona, and California. In 1963, after 22 years of service to his country Lt. Col. Lewis retired from the United States Air Force and moved his family to Houston, Texas. In Houston, Pat worked in the savings and loan business and then owned and operated Kay-Tee Florist with Lorene. In 1977, Pat retired for good and moved to Cape Royale on Lake Livingston where he enjoyed playing golf, fishing, boating, and “supervising” new construction projects around the Cape. A memorial service to honor Pat’s well lived life will be held at the Coldspring First Baptist Church on Sunday, July 16 at 2:00 PM with Brother Don Shannon officiating. The family will visit with family and friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. A private burial will be held after the time of fellowship. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the March of Dimes, the Coldspring Baptist Church, Holzer Hospice of Gallipolis, or the Gallipolis First Presbyterian Church. Local arrangements are being handled by the Willis Funeral Home, Gallipolis, Ohio.