ELKHART – Hershel “Buddy” Lewis, 89, died Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Wheatridge Park Care Center in Liberal.
He was born April 3, 1935 to Ercel Porter and Edith Mae (Raine) Lewis.
He married Barbara Leaton Aug. 10, 1958. She survives.
He joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and served four years in the Air Borne Strategic Air Command. After he was honorably discharged, he attended Fort Hays State University.
He worked as a farmer and rancher, crop adjuster for Wells Fargo, and on multiple oil rigs.
He held private, commercial, and multi-engine pilot licenses and enjoyed flying, golfing, fishing, tinkering around on the farm, and meeting up with friends.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Survivors also include sons, Kyle Lewis and wife, Dayna, St. George, Utah, and Kenneth Lewis and wife, Sunee, Leawood; four grandchildren: Paul Lewis, Mark Lewis, Katelyn Lewis, and Margo Lewis; and great-grandchild, Waylon Lewis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and five sisters: VaLera Young, Anna Bea Pressee, June Simmons, Cora Mae Juarsevich, and Gloria Lawrence.
• Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Elkhart with Pastor Ed Richards presiding. The service will be streamed on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page.
Burial will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, with military rites.
Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart.
Condolences may be left at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.
