John Merlin Lewis, 85, of Westport Island, died Aug. 15 at his home after a long illness.
He was born in Boothbay Harbor, a son of Gordon and Jessie (Hart) Lewis. He attended Boothbay and Wiscasset schools. He entered the U.S. Army of Engineering Corps and was honorable discharged in October of 1943. John was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years and as a bus driver for the Wiscasset Schools System for 31 years where he was awarded the National Professional Safe Driver Award for those 31 years.
While driving for Wiscasset he taught self-discipline social behavior in public transportation to grades 1 through 12 for 18 years.
As a child he was a member of Little League and Boy Scouts of America. He was a Boy Scout Master, Past President of the Parent Teachers Association, Chairman of the Wiscasset Rod and Gun Club, Master of the Masons in Wiscasset and youngest commander of the Wiscasset American Legion.
He enjoyed his hobbies with his longtime companion Ruth which were, skiing, scuba diving, dancing, sailing and traveling. John said he enjoyed “Dancing years away with his beautiful woman Ruth”. They traveled through the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
John was predeceased by five brothers, Leavitt Lewis, Gordon Lewis, Eldred Lewis, Clyson Lewis and Conrad Peters; three sisters, Edith Peters, Althea Hanson and Margorie Farrin and step-son, Edward Pooler.
He is survived by his 40 year long companion, Ruth Presby of Westport Island; one son, Gary Lewis and wife Mary of Lincoln; two daughters, Reverend Deanna Lewis and husband Jerry of Centralia, Kan., and Corinne Hodsdon and husband Chris of Jefferson; two step-daughters, Lauri Presby and Janet Morgan; one step-son, Alvin Presby and wife Nancy; eight grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Tues., Aug. 19 at Daigle Funeral Home, 40 Federal St., Wiscasset. Graveside service with military honors 2 p.m., Wed., Aug. 20 at Greenlawn Cemetery in Wiscasset. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset Fellowship Hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to the WHS Boosters, c/o Wiscasset High School, 272 Gardiner Rd., Wiscasset, ME 04578.
