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Donald W. Lewis, 71, lost a valiant fight to lung cancer on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Besides being adored by all who knew him, he was a pilot, golfer, skier, accomplished musician, and handyman. Born June 18, 1941 in Bogalusa, LA he is preceded in death by his mother, Odelle Young Jenkins, father, Essie Lewis, and stepfather, Errol Lavon Jenkins. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Donna Bethune Lewis, two daughters, Allison Lewis Wagner (Sam Wagner), and Melissa Lewis Salus (Dave Faller), and 5 grandchildren: Josh Michals, Taylor Michals, Jackson Wagner, Brett Salus, and Spencer Lee Wagner, and one nephew Beau Bethune (Kathlyn Bethune). Don grew up in Franklinton, LA. Graduated from LSU where he was member of Sigma Chi and ROTC member. While flying C130E's for the USAF, he received many Air Medals and the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross. As a captain for Delta Airlines he flew 7 planes and was known as an excellent pilot. A Memorial Celebration will be held Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 2 pm in the White Chapel at St. Martins Episcopal School. 225 Green Acres Road, Metairie, LA 70003 with visitation following. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Lewis Lagniappe Fund for studentas at St. Martins Episcopal School are appreciated.
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Dear Donna and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and continue to pray that you and your family will be comforted by God's Grace during this time. I will always cherish our childhood and growing up in the First Baptist Church in New Orleans. I can still picture our weddings, our new babies and our parents. How wonderful that we have such memories. May God bless you at this time in life. Nancy Mallory Archer
Nancy Archer
May 4, 2013
Donna, may our Lord bless you and the family in your loss of Don. I know he was a wonderful husband and father as well as a dear friend to many.
Marvin Thames, Jr.
May 3, 2013
Don was one of my favorite Captains to fly with at Delta. Always upbeat, always did a great job.
Thanks Don, you made a difference in my life. I will remember you always.
May 3, 2013
I will miss Mr Don terribly. You two are one of the best couples I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I enjoyed his stories of both flying and family. My heart hurts. I will continue keeping all you in my thoughts & prayers. Mrs Donna, if you need anything, you had better call! Love you.
Tanya Seghers
May 1, 2013
Mrs Lewis, Melissa and Allison,
I am so sad to hear of your loss. Mr Lewis was such a kind and caring father and man. I know how much your entire family will miss him. He was so much fun to be around. His warmth and genuine caring for all was ALWAYS in evidence. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family.
Andre Berot Spring
April 30, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Annwood Jenkins
April 30, 2013
Mrs Donna, I am Ted McElveen. my daddy was Lucious....we lived 1 mile from your store..I am 65 now but remember you and Mr Don like yesterday...you 2 were such a handsome couple. sometimes you called me Tim,I always liked that....Love you and Mr. Don.regards........Ted
April 30, 2013
May god bless u in this time of sorrow he was definitely "ONE OF A KIND MAN" he will be greatly missed!
Rebecca Mistich Covell
April 30, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the death of Don. He was a a fine person who was loved by many. His memory will live on forever in the hearts of family and friends. He will be missed by the class of '59 Franklinton High School.
Kaye Miller Doss
April 30, 2013
I did not know your loved one, but his legacy is reflective of a life well lived. May God bless you and hold you close in your time of sorrow.
Dyra Hughes
April 29, 2013
Thinking of all of you. You are all family to us.
Love,
Elaine and Harvey Cohen
April 29, 2013
My Dearest Donna and family, Please accept my sincere sympathy for your tremendous loss. You and I have known each other since we were three weeks old and were in each other's weddings. Our hearts have been entwined for many years. Don was a wonderful husband and friend to so many. We have wonderful memories to hold in our hearts. God be with you at this most difficult time. With Love Martha
Martha Cantrell
April 28, 2013
Dear Donna:
We just received Don's writeup from Joe, Jr. I wasn't aware Don was awarded the DFC. In all the really enjoyable visits we had with you all, I don't recall him ever discussing that. That's quite an award. We have put May 19th on our calendar and plan to be there to honor him and be with you. Don is missed by SO many people, including us. We love you. Sam, Fatima and Eron.
Sam Lott
April 28, 2013
We share your loss and will keep his family in prayer as they adjust to this deep loss. May your pleasant memories soften the ache in your hearts. With sympathy and love from Tom and Carolyn McPherson
April 28, 2013
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