Ernest Stephen Lewis

Chandlersville

            Ernest Stephen Lewis passed away peacefully in his home while in the loving presence of his family on Monday, November 17th.  He was born in Nelsonville, Ohio on April 16th, 1958 to Ernest and Joyce Lewis. 

Stephen Proudly served his country as a Captain of the United States Army.  He served three overseas tours; including his time in Germany from 2004-2005, and in Iraq in 2009 to 2010 during which time he commanded a forward surgical team in the 932nd FST.  He also served in Afghanistan from 2011-2012, during which time he commanded a forward surgical team for the 629th FST.  He retired from the Army in 2013, following a long and distinguished career.  Stephen earned numerous military honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Campaign Star, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Bronze Star Medal (2nd Award), the Army Achievement Medal, the USAF Outstanding unit award and combat Distinguishing “V” Device, Army Reserve Components, the Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal and Campaign Star, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), the USAF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal and “M” Device, as well as a 20 Year Silver Hourglass, the USAF Training Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. He retired from the Army in 2013.

Stephen worked as a Registered Nurse for 24 years and was a Certified Emergency Room Nurse.  He worked at Grant Hospital in the ER.  He was an avid runner, and enjoyed hiking.  He was a boy scout, and participated in wrestling, football, and was a Golden Gloves Boxer.  He always kept himself busy, and was an amazing cook.  Stephen loved his family, and treasured the time he had with them.  He also loved animals, and enjoyed every moment with his pets Lance, Bron, Grace, Gray Kitty, and Chuck.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Jeri Hartly-Lewis, his son, Seth Lewis and his Fiancé, Erin Rose, son, Jacob Lewis, and his daughter Julie Lewis.  He is deeply missed by his parents, Ernest and Joyce Lewis, his brother, Michael Lewis, and his sister, Brook Unger.

Friends and family are welcome to gather at the Farus Funeral home of New Concord on Saturday, November 22nd from the hours of 1-3 PM to celebrate and remember Stephen.  At 3 o’clock military services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Genesis, 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701.

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