John Michael Lewis

John Michael Lewis, devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend, went home to Heaven on July 1, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of respect, kindness, and love that defined what it truly means to be a man, father, and husband.

Born August 14, 1935, John grew up in the tiny town of Vinita, Oklahoma, on a street he shared with his mother, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

As a youth, John was a paperboy, an Eagle Scout, and the Valedictorian of his high school, Sacred Heart. He was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Go Cowboys!

Following college, John served as a First Lieutenant in the Army. At the time of his discharge, he was stationed in Luebeck, Germany, where he bought his beloved red 1959 Volkswagen Bug. John spent the next couple of years traveling throughout Europe, listening to Johnny Cash, and viewing the countryside through his oval window.

Upon his return to the States, John continued his education, earning his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University.

In 1961, John met Charlene, the love of his life. They were married two years later, had three children—Tom, Mike, and Anna—and lived happily ever after for the next 61 years.

John’s first engineering job was at General Electric, followed by Sperry Flight Systems in the aerospace division, where he concentrated on guidance systems and technology for NASA’s Space Shuttle. Honeywell purchased Sperry Aerospace in 1986, where John continued to work until his retirement.

John excelled in everything he pursued, practicing German, Spanish, and French daily. He found fascination in topics ranging from the day's weather to bird migrations. Over his 88 years, John acquired an amazing skill set mastering the lost arts of listening, reading directions, measuring twice, cutting once, waiting, pre-assembling, and always trying WD40 first. Yet his greatest pride was always his family.

John found solace and joy in the great outdoors. An avid hiker, John hiked the Grand Canyon many times, traveling from the south rim to the north rim and back again. John inspired his family to embrace the beauty of the Arizona desert and mountains, whether it be hiking, camping, or just sitting and listening to the rain. His legacy will live on in the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets he cherished.

Later in life, John’s two granddaughters became his pride and joy. He attended every grade school, high school and college function. He never missed an event, always cheering them on. He was an incredibly proud grandpa and loved them beyond words.

As a philanthropist, John volunteered at Ss. Simon and Jude’s St. Vincent de Paul for nearly 30 years, donated to multiple local and national charities and rescued hundreds of animals that literally landed on his doorstep.

Truth be told, John’s greatest joy was Char. Together, they taught everyone how wonderful a marriage could and should be. Best friends to the end “me too I’m glad ole buddy” always looking out for each other, always opening a door, always taking care, always looking for little ways to make each other’s days just better.

John was predeceased by his mother Katherine, father Floyd and sister Patty. He is survived by his wife Charlene, sons Tom and Mike, daughter Anna, son-in-law Justin, and granddaughters Tatumn and Ashlyn.

Services are to be held at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Avenue in Phoenix, on Friday, July 12th, 2024 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Vincent DePaul or Andre House, two organizations John loved and donated to throughout his life. 

Be kind. Be grateful. Be patient.