Lester M. Lewis, Jr. Obituary (1935

Les died unexpectedly at his home in Bremerton, Washington. He is survived by his daughter, Martiann. Les was a devoted husband, a loving dad, and an exemplary community member. Born and raised in Bremerton, Washington. Les grew up on the top floor of the family business, Lewis Funeral Chapel, at its original location on 5th Ave in downtown Bremerton from when he was born in 1935 to graduating Bremerton High School in 1953. He went on to Olympic College, and then graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science School. He then returned to the family business which expanded to include Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary. After working in Lewis Funeral Chapel in some fashion for most of his childhood and adult life, ownership passed to him. Years later Les sold the business to a long-time family friend and Lewis Chapel Funeral Director, Glen M. Henrickson. On June 25, 1972, Les married Marcia "Marti" A. Lewis in Bremerton. If you knew one thing about Les, it was Marti and Martiann were his life. He continued to thrive and live on after Marti's passing in 2009 knowing that they would be together again one day. Les loved to talk and tell stories of his days hunting, fishing, rally racing, skiing, and of course, fixing things. He was a voracious model builder of Navy boats and airplanes; his collection is meticulous and extensive. Les was an avid reader, having collected and read all National Geographic magazines since publication. He and would share facts as if he were a walking encyclopedia. When he retired, he volunteered at Puget Sound Navy Museum (PSNM) with immense joy for over 20 years. He was named Volunteer of the Quarter several times and enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge about Bremerton and the Navy with visitors. Les was named "Mayor" of his street by all his neighbors which speaks volumes of the relationships and friends he had made where he lived for over 50 years. He was known as Mr. Fix-It. If he could not fix it, he would say "a hammer, duct tape, and some time will." Often Marti would have to use an air horn to call him back home because he was talking or problem solving with neighbors for too long. A public viewing will be held at Lewis Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 2-4pm with a Funeral Service to follow on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Puget Sound Navy Museum (PSNM) https://pugetsoundnavymuseum.org/product/donate/.