Thomas Lewis' Obituary
Thomas Alexander Lewis
Retired Sergeant Major Thomas Alexander Lewis, passed away on January 31, 2012 at home with family in Tacom, Washington after a long illness. Thomas was born in Forman, Arkansas to Mose and Paralee Lewis January 30, 1939. He was an only child. Thomas moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri where he graduated from Sumner High School. He received a scholarship to Teachers College where he excelled as a great football player and track runner. He decided to join the National Guard for three years. He went into the US Army active duty in Oklahoma. Thomas was in the military for 34 years. He received many accommodations and awards. Sergeant Major Lewis served four years in Vietnam in Construction Engineer, building air strips and roads. He was blessed to travel to many countries. He was a Core Sergeant Major at Fort Lewis Washington. Thomas' last four years he served as Sergeant Major of D.E.H. at North Fort Lewis after which he retired on November 30th, 1989. Thomas loved the military. After retirement, Thomas attended Evergreen College, worked as an inspector for the city of Kent, Washington, a bus driver for the city of Olympia, Washington and also drove school buses for Tacoma School District. Thomas always had a helping hand for anyone that needed it. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and loved fishing. Thomas was a member of Spanaway lodge #83 where he served as a Wishful and a Deputy Grand Master. Thomas is survived by his wife Suenell Y. Lewis. He has a son Keenan and a daughter Denise Lewis of San Jose, California. Step children Cynthia McCollum, Clifford Yarborough III and Kim Napier. Grandchildren Harvey Napier, Fredrick McCollum, Crystal Napier, Patrick G. McCullum, Mollie Waters, Janae' Yarborough, and Clifford Yarborough IV, who proceeded him in death. Niece Erika Hawkins, nephew Martin Smith of Chicago, Illinois. Great grandchildren Samya Napier-Porter, Kingston Napier, Kari Grace Napier, Patrick G. McCollum Jr. of San Diego, California. Uncle Louis Dancer and aunts, Rosemary Dancer and Velma Hopson of Texas. Also Rita Dancer and Johnnie V. Henderson of Kansas City, Missouri. Sister and brother-in-law Joanne and Charles Smith of Chicago, Illinois. A host of nieces and nephews and other loving family and friends. Thomas' viewing will be February 6, 2012 at Mountain View Funeral Home from 2pm to 9pm. There will be a grave side service at Tahoma Cemetary in Kent, Washington February 7, 2012 at 12:00 pm. Special thanks to Steve and Earlene Garrett, Brad, Bea and Joseph Bradford, Dr. L. Yee, Dr. Thomas Baker Oncology and Dr. Arbuck at MAMC. Advance Home Care, special thanks to Lea Hays and Ms. Darlene for the excellent care to my husband during his illness, and also the Hospice team at S. Joseph Hospital and Pastor John. The family members of retired Sergeant Major Thomas A. Lewis wishes to express sincere appreciation and gratitude for the sympathetic generosity extended during our time of bereavement. Whatever you did to touch our hearts, we would like to thank each and every one of you. May God continue to bless you. Special thanks to Mountain View Funeral Home.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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