Mr. Lewis was a graduate of the Cuba Central School Class of 1940. He joined the Untied States Army on July 12, 1940 until being honorably discharges on October 18, 1945. While enlisted he was working as a machinist and received the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
After being discharged Mr. Lewis attended Tri State University in Angola Indiana graduating in March of 1949, where he received at bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. He then went to work as a Project Engineer for Acme Electric Corporation of Cuba, receiving his Professional Engineering License in 1975. He retired as a Senior Project Engineer after 35 years of service. He also sold used cars and owned and operated Lewis Trailer Sales in Black Creek for many years.
He attended the United Methodist Church of Cuba for many years. Richard was a 54 year member of Cuba Friendship Masonic Lodge # 306 F&M and held the offices of Junior and Senior Warden, was Master of the lodge in 1964, and from 1967 until present was the lodge treasurer. He was involved in the acquisition and renovation of a New Temple for the Cuba Friendship Lodge #306. For his dedication to the Masonic brotherhood he received the Dedicated Service Award in 1982, as well as a purple apron in 1982. He also served as President and past master of the Masonic District office. Ultimately he became a member of the 32-degree corning consistory.
He was involved in the McKee Chapter 212 Order of the Eastern Star serving at one time as Patron and District Grand Lecturer in 1984. He also was involved with the DeMolay, Amaranth, Constellation, Rainbow and Triangle Organizations. He was a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association and its local group the Alle-Catts. At one time was Chairman of the Boy Scout Committee. He also belonged to the Allegheny Mountain Engine & Implement Association in Port Allegany, Pa and the Black Creek Cemetery Association.
Community Service was very important to Mr. Lewis. Being a longtime resident of Black Creek he was a lifetime member of the New Hudson Fire Department where at one time he served as Chief and Treasurer. He was also involved in the Design and construction of the Fire Hall. He held various town offices that included assessor, town justice and town Supervisor.
Above all family was his first priority. He enjoyed traveling, camping, cutting wood, producing maple syrup, genealogy, collecting Antique Machinery, HAM Radio, and repairing all types of things in his machine shop.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 62 years are three sons, Eric (Patty) Lewis of Fulton, NY, Wayne (Pat) Lewis of Cuba,
and Lloyd (Mary Lou) Lewis of Black Creek; 8 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son Dale Lewis on Jan. 13, 1973.
The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 3-7 P.M. where funeral services will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. The Rev. Sonya "Sunny" Mauser, pastor of the Cuba United Methodist Church, will officiate. Members of Cuba Friendship Lodge 306 F&AM will conduct Masonic Funeral Services Monday at 11:00 A.M,.
Burial will be in Black Creek Cemetery, Town of New Hudson, New York.
Memorial if desired may be made to the Black Creek Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 27 Black Creek, NY 14714 or to the Cuba-Friendship Masonic Lodge 306 F&AM, 3 E. Main St., Cuba, NY 14727.
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