In addition to his parents, Lewis was preceded in death by a wife, Shelley Frith Drane; grandson, Jacob Robert “JJ” Dowdy, Jr. and a great granddaughter, Madalyn Renee Drane.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Adkins Drane; sons, John Drane (Karen) and Jim Drane (Ellen); daughters, Jennifer Allison (Frank) and Peyton Drane (Jacob Dowdy); grandchildren, Lewis Drane III, Benjamin Drane, Nicholas Drane, Matthew Drane, Lacy Drane, Grace Drane, Josh Moore (Addie), Zachary Moore and Patrick Drane; brothers, William “Bill” Drane, Becker Drane, and Edward “Ed” Drane; sisters, Mary Ellen Stockdale, Gertrude Italiano, Josephine “Jo” Black, and Cathy Brown; brothers-in-law, Jim and Jay Frith; also many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Lewis served in the U.S. Army as a cryptographer while stationed in Japan. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He loved and enjoyed his family. He loved all of his many good friends, good food and traveling. His favorite destination was the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. He also loved the outdoors, going to Boxwood and especially the YMCA.
A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at St Joseph Catholic Church and will be officiated by Father Carlos Lerma. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Entombment will be at Roselawn Burial Park Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2481 Spruce Street, Martinsville, Va. 24112 or the Martinsville YMCA, 3 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, Va. 24112.
The family extends their sincere appreciation for the many acts of love and kindness extended to Lewis by the staff of the Kings Grant Assistant Living and the following caregivers: Odessie Gill, Sharon Hodges, Pat Tatum, LaSheiza Barner, Shannon Chitwood, Keizia Hairston, Jessie Lunnerman, Kim Williamson, Wendy Prillaman and Linda Barbour.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family.
