Thomas G. Lewis February 1, 1930 - May 22, 2010 Our beloved Thomas G. Lewis was born at home on February 1, 1930, in Massillon, Ohio. His father, Thomas E. Lewis, was a printer and his mother, Effie, a housewife. Tom moved to Bakersfield in 1948. While working on the Renegade Rip Newspaper at Bakersfield College, he met Marguerite "Peggy" Benavides, who became his wife in 1952. They enjoyed an adventurous 56 years of marriage and family life with four children. Tom was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served in Korea. After returning, he earned a BA and Teaching credential at San Jose State University and later earned his Masters in Elementary School Administration from Fresno State. Tom began his career in 1955 as a 5th grade teacher at Highland Elementary, while his 2 brothers enjoyed careers as jockeys. After a start as a teacher, he decided to try his luck as a jockey and submitted his teaching resignation. Early in that brief career, Tom broke several bones when thrown from a horse and he often joked that he decided to follow his heart back into the elementary school to become a famous educator instead of a famous jockey. In 1960, Tom accepted the position of Principal of Highland Elementary School. It was a position he cherished for more than three decades. Tom was well known for his kindness and students often recall the 8 ft. sailfish hanging on his office wall which he caught himself. He and Peggy shared a unique role together as both served as elementary school principals. When Tom retired in 1990, he devoted his time as President of the Korean War Veterans Association in Bakersfield and was instrumental in erecting the Korean War Memorial monument in Jastro Park in 2006. He also enjoyed traveling with and caring for his wife, Peggy, until her death in 2008. Later in his life, Tom was honored with two events... one being the naming of the Thomas G. Lewis Library at Highland Elementary School and the other being named honorary Grand Marshall in the Bakersfield Veteran's Day Parade with his grandson, Thomas, at his side. During his last years, Tom embraced a new life with his dearest friend and companion, Robin Cole, in Morro Bay. Together they enjoyed travel, theater, art and cultural outings along the central coast. Tom could often be found playing his banjo while Robin tended her flower garden. Aside from the undying love of his family and friends, Tom's greatest gifts were his love of learning and wonder for life. Tom loved mountain cabins and the sea. He loved animals, family gatherings, children, schools, science fairs, California Missions, playing his banjo, fishing, travel, golf, motorcyles, Kevin Harvick, veterans and a really good parade. Tom is survived by his children, Thomas G. Lewis, Jr. and Therese of Morro Bay, Roseanne Lewis and Sam Dominguez of Bakersfield, Patty Lewis-Reynolds and Don Reynolds of Long Beach and Pam Lewis of Los Angeles. He was an adoring "Papa" to his four grandchildren, Natalia Dominguez, Meagan, Alexander, and Thomas Reynolds; and his tiny, yapping, neurotic poodle, Amy. He also leaves behind sister, Jean Pote and husband Bob of Redlands and brother, Jack Lewis and wife Janie of Taft. He also leaves behind numerous well- loved nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Tom is also survived by his adoring companion, Robin Cole and her family, Michael, Elizabeth, Peter, and Rainey. Tom passed away at 80 wondrous years on May 22, 2010 in San Luis Obispo, surrounded by the love of family. Visitation will take place at Hillcrest Mortuary Thursday 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 28, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Highland Elementary School PTA to benefit the Thomas G. Lewis Library.
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