Duane William Lewis

Duane W. Lewis passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas at the age of 80. Duane was born December 22, 1935 in Hastings, Michigan to Harvey and Edith Lewis and was the last of four sons. He graduated from Hastings High School in June 1954 and worked for two years in his family’s water well drilling business. Beginning in 1956, Duane served 2 years in the U.S. Army. He returned to Hastings in 1958 and enrolled in Central Michigan University in the fall of 1959. While at Central, Duane served as Vice-President of his Junior Class and President of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity. After graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in 1963, Duane escaped the cold weather and relocated to Houston. Duane worked as a salesman spending his early years in data processing services, ultimately serving as Vice President of Houston EDP, Inc. In 1974, Duane began working for New York Life Insurance Company where he remained until his retirement.

Duane was passionate and followed his heart, immersing himself fully in his pursuits. He won numerous sales achievement awards during his career with New York Life. A life-long chorale singer, he spent many years singing in the St. Paul’s UMC choir. Duane was dedicated to improving the lives of children. He volunteered with Houston’s Big Brothers and Sisters, coached little league baseball, and was President of the Shamrock little league football organization. His proudest achievement was his work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, representing the rights of abused and neglected children in the Harris County legal system. Duane was an avid golfer, spending most of his retirement years living in his dream home overlooking the 11th hole of his favorite golf course. A passionate history lover, he was a member of a Civil War roundtable society. He was also an avid traveler and took many trips to locations across the world with his longtime companion, Penny Brooks.

Duane is survived by his son, Jay Lewis; daughter-in-law Grace Tee Lewis and grandchildren Miles and Zoe Lewis.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 in the Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Duane's memory to Child Advocates, Inc., 3701 Kirby Drive, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77098 or www.childadvocates.org