Charles R. Lewis
Charles R. Lewis, 93, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 1, 2018, in his home in Gettysburg.
Born March 16, 1924, in Waynesburg, he was the only son of the late Charles G. Lewis and Mildred H. Lewis of Waynesburg.
A 1941 graduate of Waynesburg High School, he later graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Waynesburg College (now Waynesburg University) and a master’s degree from West Virginia University with concentrations in education and Spanish. While at Waynesburg, he wrestled and played tennis intercollegiately. His studies were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, and he elected to serve proudly in the U. S. Marine Corps. After initial training at Camp Lejeune and Onslow Beach, his service in the Marine Air Warning Squadron – 8 took him throughout the Pacific Theater, including California, Hawaii, Palau, the Philippines and Okinawa. He was again called to service during the Korean War.
His teaching life began at Saint Marys High School in Saint Marys, where he taught math and Spanish, and met his future wife, Ada. He spent 17 years teaching at Saint Marys before moving to Adams County. In 1968, he served as principal at Fairfield High School for a year prior to becoming a Spanish and math teacher in the Gettysburg school system, where he taught until retiring in 1982. His love for sports led to him coaching basketball and wrestling in Saint Marys, and helping out the Gettysburg wrestling team as scorekeeper.
After retirement, he worked at the Gettysburg Tour Center as a bus driver, safely escorting thousands of tourists through the battlefield, and at Wolf’s Bus in York Springs.
He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Elks Club and the U.S. Marine Corps League, where he actively worked in the Toys for Tots program, roadside beautification projects and served as a member of the local honor guard, honoring the lives of fellow veterans.
He is survived by his wife, Ada G. Lewis of Gettysburg; son LTC Charles W. Lewis, who is serving in the U.S. Army and is currently stationed in Africa in N’Djamena, Chad; and cousins Jack and Bill Blair of Waynesburg and Bill Hull of Warren, Ohio.
A viewing will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 6, at Monahan Funeral Home, Gettysburg, at which time Mr. Lewis will be given full military honors from Adams County Allied Veterans. Entombment will be held at 1 p.m. in Greene County Memorial Park Mausoleum, Waynesburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SpiriTrust Home Care and Hospice, 260 West High Street, Gettysburg, PA17325. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com.