Robert Kenneth Lewis, 83

July 6, 1933 - Oct. 18, 2016

Robert (Ken) Lewis passed away peacefully at VA Hospice. Ken was born in Sumter, S.C., and was raised by foster parents Robert C. Lewis and Inez Lewis.

He met the love of his life, Carolyn Boyette, and they were married on April 15, 1953. Ken served 23 years in the Army, one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam where he received the Purple Heart and numerous other metals. After he retired from the Army, he managed the swimming center at the University of Idaho for one year. Then he went on for another career with the telephone company GTE. He worked there for 18 years, started out at the lowest paying job and ended up Service Operation Manager.

He was an inspiration to us all. He was brave man, he took his oldest son’s place in Vietnam the second time he went over. He was loved by so many. He was a gentleman that loved his family and was always there for his children. Ken was a member and past Master of Paradise Lodge No. 17 AF & AM and a Grand Lodge officer. He was a member of the Calam Shriners Club in Moscow, Idaho.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn of 63 years and six months; son David R. Lewis of Sacramento, Calif.; daughter Pattie Bindseil (William) of LaVernia, Texas, Robert K. Lewis Jr. of Houston, Texas, and Brad Lewis (Pam) of Spokane Valley, Wash.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also extended family Leon and Laurel Blood of Hayden Lake, Idaho. He is preceded in death by his foster parents, Robert and Inez Lewis; his first granddaughter, Kristina Harrington and his foster brother, Eugene.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, at Sans Souci Clubhouse, 3231 W. Boone, Spokane, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, send contributions to Shriners Hospitals for Children.