Donald H. Lewis

Colonel Donald H. Lewis, US Army (Retired) of Evans, GA, beloved husband of Patricia E. Lewis, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Don was born in Auburn, New York on November 10, 1937, to Harry and Jean Lewis. His childhood was filled with numerous athletic endeavors including football (both offense and defense), basketball, and baseball. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1955 and was inducted to their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.

After high school, Don attended The Manlius School in New York before his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1956. He was a member of multiple athletic teams at both schools, but football was his passion and where he excelled. He is a graduate of Manlius, West Point, the Armed Forces Staff College, United States Army War College, and earned a Master of Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology.

On a blind date while attending West Point, Don met his true love. He married Pat immediately after his 1961 graduation. This marked the beginning of his incredible military career and journey as a devoted husband and father.   

The early years of Don’s military career took him to Okinawa, Vietnam, Korea as well as two tours in Washington, D.C. where he was stationed at the White House and Pentagon. During his twenty-eight years in the military, he had many important assignments including Commander of the 35^th Signal Brigade (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Commander of the 501^st Signal Battalion, and Commander of the 999^th Signal Company. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army General Staff Identification Badge, Presidential Service Badge, and Senior Parachutist Badge.

After Don’s retirement, his free time was spent on the golf course, coordinating multiple golf groups, as a member of Christ Church Presbyterian in Evans, and volunteering for several organizations such as AJGA and Georgia Games. He loved playing golf, being on the water, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

In addition to Don’s wife of 62 years, Pat, he is survived by his children: Sandra Lewis Knezevich (Michael), Donald Hugh Lewis, Jr. (Edith), Keri Lewis Monteith, and Jeffrey Jay Lewis (Jennifer); grandchildren: Shelton Hugh Lewis, Raven Alexander Lewis, Brayton Hamilton Lewis, Harrison James Monteith, Sullivan Charles Monteith, Cooper Samuel Lewis, and Benjamin Reed Lewis; brother: Richard Lewis (Barbara); sister-in-law: Bobbie Lewis; and many other loving family members. He is preceded in death by his parents: Harry and Jean Lewis; and brother: Dr. John “Jack” Lewis.  

A memorial service with military honors will be held March 18, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Christ Church Presbyterian, 4201 Southern Pines Drive, Evans Georgia, 30809 with Robbie Hendrick officiating. Interment will be at West Point Cemetery in New York at a later date.  

Family will receive friends immediately following the ceremony at Christ Church Presbyterian. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s memory to the following organizations:

AJGA – American Junior Golf Association 

https://www.ajga.org/donate

West Point Association of Graduates – Army Football Team  https://alumni.westpointaog.org/sports?giveto=armyfootball

Christ Church Presbyterian, Evans Georgia

https://www.christchurchpres.org/give