Elmer A. Lewis Obituary (1922

Elmer A. Lewis, AMCS, USN (RET) passed away on December 27, 2002 at the Washington State Veterans Home in Retsil, Washington. He had just turned 80. Elmer was born on December 26, 1922 in Manvel, Texas, to John W. and Stella (Delaplain) Lewis. He attended schools in Manvel and Alvin, Texas and later married Dorothy N. (Todd) Lewis on January 23, 1943 in Seattle, Washington. The following is an account of his military service: Enlisted Houston, Texas on June 9, 1941; with boot training NTC San Diego. Assigned NAS Seattle, Washington; served in VJ-2 Det. until November 1943. Commissioned VJ-12; served Washington, Hawaii, Guadalcanal and decommissioned in San Diego, California in January 1946; promoted to ACMMH on October 15, 1945; served in VJ-1 and VN-3 until May 1947. Re-enlisted June 1947; served in VPML-1 until April 1949; shore duty NAS Whidbey Island, Washington until October 1951, VR-23 until December 1953, VR-2 until 1955; assigned FASRON-118 Naha, Okinawa until December 1957. Assigned NATTC Millington, Tennessee; attended instructor training and supervisor training; served as instructor, phase supervisor and assistant to training officer, AMH "A" School. Promoted to AMCS November 15, 1959. Retired January 3, 1961 after 20 years. After his military career, Elmer was self-employed as a watchmaker until his retirement in 1971. He was involved with several organizations, including the VFW, of which he was a life member, the Fleet Reserve Association, Retired Enlisted Association, and the Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy N. (Todd) Lewis of Grapeview, Washington; two sons, Robert N. Lewis of Shelton, Washington and Michael J. Lewis of Seattle, Washington; and two grandchildren, Elmer A. and Neva M. Lewis, both of Shelton, Washington. Four brothers and a sister preceded him in death. Memorial donations may be made to the Mason County Senior Activities Association at PO Box 1016, Shelton, Washington, 98584.