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Eli M. Lewis, age 88, of Vicksburg, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Eli was born on September 28, 1934 in Athens Township, the son of Clayton and Edith (Plummer) Lewis. He graduated from Athens High School in 1952 where he was the class salutatorian. After high school, Eli joined the Army in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957. In 1958, Eli would marry Judy Kay Switzer. He was a lifelong farmer and worked at Simpson Lee Paper Company for 30 years. He was involved with the building of Bethlehem Assembly Church. Eli for the past 25 years has helped at the Nazarene Campground at Indian Lake. He enjoyed taking yearly trips, especially the trip to Alaska. In his free time Eli tended to his lawn and rose bushes, writing poetry, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband and father. Eli had a sense of humor and enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers.
Eli is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy. 3 children; Polly (Jeff) Preston, Tim (Gail) Lewis, Dan (Patti) Lewis, all of Vicksburg. 1 brother; Glenn (Nancy) Lewis of Lady Lake, FL; 13 grandchildren; Tina Preston-Garner, Amy Leasure, Brad Preston, Mindy (Jacob) Mikel, Hollie (David) Beeman, Tyler (Becca) Lewis, Emma Lewis, Olivia Lewis, Elijah Lewis, Stefan (Heather) Bladen, Shane (Kim) Bladen, Seth (Stacey) Bladen, Shannon (Aaron) Pitre. 21 great-grandchildren with two more on the way. Eli is also survived by the faithful dog, Ann. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Shellie Bladen Lewis, sister Lois Lewis, and grandson-in-law Ethan Leasure.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, from 10:30am until Noon. Funeral service will start at Noon. Following the luncheon, burial will take place in Boughton Cemetery in Scotts. It is suggested that donations be made to the American Kidney Fund. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com
