ASHLAND: John R. Lewis Jr., 90, of Brethren Care Village, Ashland, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on March 9, 2012.

John was born February 23, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, to John R. Lewis Sr. and Margaret Tappie Lewis.
He grew up in Beulah Park on the shores of Lake Erie next to Euclid Beach Park.
John graduated from Collinwood High School in Cleveland.
He enlisted in the Marines in 1942 and fought on Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. He was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, and the Bronze and Silver Stars for bravery.

In 1945, John married his childhood sweetheart, Amy Daly, who passed away in 2009. They were active in the Immanuel Presbyterian Church.
In 1955 they moved to Kirtland, Ohio, with their three children.

John joined the Euclid School System in 1966 as Purchasing Agent following almost 20 years in retail sales. Four years later, John was promoted to Business Manager, the senior school business official in the system. He served as Business Manager until he retired from Euclid in 1984. John was also past President of the Ohio School Business Officials Association. Subsequent to his retirement from Euclid, he served for six months as interim Business Manager of the Shaker Heights School System.

After retirement, John and Amy moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed 18 years of sun. John was an active member and leader of the Fort Walton Beach Chapter of the Power Squadron, and John and Amy were avid golfers. In 2002 they moved to Waverly, Ohio, and then to Brethren Care Village in Ashland in 2006.

John is survived by sons, John (Trish) Lewis of Boulder, Colorado, and Mel (Karen) Lewis of St. Augustine, Florida; daughter, Lynn (Justin) Marotta of Bellville, Ohio; grandchildren, Austin (Kate) Lewis, Brian (Rachel) Lewis, Eric (Natalie) Marotta, John (Dana) Marotta, Jeff (Angie) Marotta; and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, August Charles (Chuck) Lewis.

There will be a Memorial Service to honor John at Belmont Tower, Brethren Care Village (2140 Center Street, Ashland) at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2012. The Rev. Skip Snell will officiate. Private burial will follow in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For those not able to attend, online condolences or to light a candle can be done at www.dpkfh.com.

Denbow-Primm-Kemery is handling the arrangements.