Thomas Lewis' Obituary
Tom Lewis: A Winner
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
(Special Olympics)
The twinkle in his eyes has dimmed. Tom Lewis has passed to eternal life.
He woke up April 15, walked to the bank and back home, had breakfast,
headed out again for his appointment at the heart clinic. Just another normal
day until………..Tom’s beautiful heart stopped.
Tom was born in Clinton Iowa on January 23, 1953 to Jack and Gert Lewis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Gary Lewis.
Tom’s energy was a factor in his success as an athlete with Special Olympics.
For several years he competed as a swimmer, then took up boce ball.
In 2006 Tom competed at the USA National Games in Ames, Iowa and took
home medals in swimming.
In 2007 Tom was named Disabled Clintonian of the Year. The “President’s Award”
was presented to Tom by Sister Marcella Narlock. Also in attendance was
the mayor of Clinton and a representative from the Governor's office.
Tom was so happy with the award and that the Clinton Herald newspaper
published his picture.
Tom lived life to the fullest: HO model trains was his passion. He was the
“Train Doctor” at the Felix Adler Children’s Discover Center. Tom was very
knowledgeable about every kind of train and he had the dexterity to repair
and assemble the small HO model trains, creating a display that was three
times its original size.
Music: oh, did he love music. Tom was a member of the Truth Singers, a
chorus of talented special needs folks. All though Tom had a beautiful singing
voice, his specialty was the tambourine. They called him “Tambourine Man.”
So you know how vinyl records are back in style? Well, they never went out
for Tom. His collection included a variety of musicians, the favorite being
Elvis Presley.
The Church of the Open Door welcomed Tom with open arms. He was always
on board helping out: loved helping with the distribution of Easter eggs for the
children’s Easter egg hunt, sorting and organizing clothing for rummage
sales, and so much more.
Although he didn’t take a train, Tom traveled many times to Arizona and California.
Starting in the 1970’s Tom enjoyed the desert heat when his visited with his parents,
Jack and Gert Lewis.
In later years when he traveled to Arizona and California it was to attend the
San Francisco 49ers football games. Recently he took the train from Williams to the
Grand Canyon. He was more impressed with the train !
As a sports fan Tom attended the Lumber Kings baseball games in Clinton,
a Chicago Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field in Chicago, and
the Cubs Spring Training in Arizona.
A beloved friend, brother, uncle and great-uncle Tom is survived by his partner
for life, Lana Zimmerman; his sisters: Linda Langrock, Jacky Jennings (Tom J);
nieces Julie Jennings, and Lacey Langrock; nephews Rob Stevenson (Cecilia),
Cory Stevenson (Kim), Mark Jennings (Ramona), Brian Jennings (Nicole); and
many cousins. Tom was a great-uncle to twelve nieces and nephews.
Deb Foster was with him often in recent years.
The twinkle in Tom’s eyes dimmed briefly, but is shining bright again as we
recall his kindness to everyone, his sense of humor, and love of life.
A Viewing and Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 8th at the Church of the Open Door.
Visitation will be from 9:30 am until the service time. Service will begin at 11:00 am. Burial will be 9:00 am on Friday at St. Irenaeus Cemetery. ALL SERVICES ARE AT THE CHURCH ON THURSDAY.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Felix Adler Children’s Discover
Center and Special Olympics.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?
