Staff SGT US Army - Silver Star - World War II

"James Russell Lewis, 80,411 Second St., Covington, died at 6:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 1998 in Culver Union Hospital, Crawfordsville. Born Sept. 23, 1918 in Cates, he was the son of Joseph Harrison and Cloe Teagarden Lewis. He married Pauline Oliphant Martin May 2, 1947 in Crawfordsville. She preceded him in death Dec. 7, 1994.

He graduated from Perrysville High School in 1936. He served four years in the 19th Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division of the Army during World War II and was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines, receiving the Silver Star and Bronze Star for gallantry in action.
He was honored by the Fountain County Veteran's Council and World War II Commemorative Group in 1995 for his leadership over the past 47 years (now 50 years) in conducting military funerals for veterans. He was recognized by former Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh for his work with the state veterans and received the "Distinguished Hoosier" certificate. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Cubs and Purdue. He enjoyed fishing and bowling. His memberships included First United Methodist Church, Fulton Banta Post 291 American Legion, Fountain County Old Guard Post 2395 VFW and was a member of the board of Fountain County War Museum, Inc.

Survivors include: son, Tony (Shirley) Martin, Perrysville; daughters, Margo Lewis, Danville, Ill., Sandy (Richard) Robertson, Lebanon, Yolanda Reel, Lancaster, Calif.; sisters, Peggy Congleton, Perrysville, Carmen Phillips, Bradenton, Fla., Meredith (Irvin) Hollingsworth, Brownsburg; and seven grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; five sisters; and two brothers.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Thursday in Shelby Funeral Home, Covington, with the Rev. Allen Phillips officiating. Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Covington, with military services by the American Legion and VFW. Memorials to the Fountain County War Museum." – Fountain County Neighbor, November 6, 1998