Ronald Lewis Obituary

Ronald (Ron) Eugene Lewis, 91, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025. Ron was born on August 8, 1933, in Topeka, Kansas, to Vernon Dean Lewis and Ada Josephine Lewis. He moved to Emporia at the age of eight, where he spent the majority of his life. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1951 and married the love of his life, Mildred Louise Sill, on December 5, 1952. Nearly 20 years ago, Ron and Mildred moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he spent his later years. Ron proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 as a military police officer stationed at Camp Gordon near Augusta, Georgia. During his service, he also played trombone in the Army band-an expression of the love of music he carried throughout his life. Ron worked as a police officer at Emporia State University, retiring in December 1995. He remained a devoted fan of Hornet athletics and enjoyed attending basketball and football games. After moving to Lawrence, he quickly became a Jayhawk fan as well, enjoying both KU basketball and football. Ron had a deep appreciation for nature and found joy in fishing and exploring the scenery of Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. In his later years, he developed a taste for craft beer and proudly attended the Great American Beer Festival in Denver-an experience he fondly remembered. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 67 years, Mildred, who passed away in 2019. He is survived by his brother, Bill Lewis of Topeka; his children: Rhonda Russell (Randy) of Lawrence, Chip Lewis of Cowley, Wyoming, and Mike Lewis (Heidi) of Lawrence; his grandchildren: Nathan, Melanie, Spencer, Tara, Elizabeth, Charlene, his great-grandchildren: Alexis, Julianna, Bailey, Willow, Lily, McKinley, Lincoln, Hunter, Chrysta, Merrick, Hanna, Kannon, and many nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly.

A visitation and viewing will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home 901 Indiana St. in Lawrence, Kansas on Sunday, August 3 from 3:00-500. Ron will be cremated and laid to rest beside Mildred at Evergreen Cemetery south of Emporia. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice https://www.goodshepherdhospice.com/donationform/) or Lawrence Meals on Wheels (LAWRENCE MEALS ON WHEELS, 2121 KASOLD DR STE B, LAWRENCE KS 66047-2204), two organizations the family deeply appreciates.

Ron will be remembered for his quiet strength, determination, and unwavering love for his family. He was a man who served his country, loved his community, and lived a good life.

Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com