Eugene Lewis Obituary

Eugene Frederick Lewis, known to many as Fred, Freddie, or Blue, passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the age of 86.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 28, 1939, Fred was the eldest son of Roberta and Harvey Lewis and the big brother to Tom, Charmaine, and Bonnie. From his parents, he inherited both skill and grit. His mother, an accomplished chef, instilled in him a love for cooking. His father, a steel hauler in the Steel City, taught him the values of endurance and hard work.

He enlisted in the United States Army after graduating in 1957, serving two years on active duty before completing an additional two years in the Army Reserve.

In 1959, Fred married Granada Brown, the love of his life and a woman whose strength even exceeded his own. Together they raised their children-Mark, Charles, Randall, and Debbie-and built a life centered on family, responsibility, and perseverance. Their journey took them from Chicago, where Fred worked as a police officer, back to Pittsburgh so Granada could finish college. They later settled in Cincinnati, where Granada took a job as a high school English teacher and drama coach, and Fred began working as a long-haul truck driver for Roadway Express.

Fred approached his occupation with professionalism and pride. He completed his career without a single accident and earned deep respect for his skill behind the wheel. He served on the union grievance committee, advocating for fellow drivers and defending them from unjust treatment by management.

A man of quiet intelligence and deep competence, Fred was an avid reader with a love of history and novels, especially ones about the Civil War and Black Cowboys. He also loved food and was a devoted Cajun cook, known for gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp étouffée, and stocks made patiently from scratch. His kitchen was a place of generosity and care, especially for family.

Fred endured profound losses, including the passing of his son Charles in 1980, his beloved wife Granada in 2001, and his son Mark in 2007. Though shaped by grief, he carried on with resilience and resolve.

For over four decades, Fred found solace and freedom in motorcycling and was known in that community as Blue. In his later years, he shared his life with Mary Blackwell, whose love and companionship came at a time when it was deeply needed and proved a blessing to them both.

Fred faced death as he faced life-clear-minded, resolute, and without flinching. He chose dignity and is reunited in death with his wife, Granada, and his sons Charles and Mark.

Fred leaves behind his son, Dr. Randall Lewis (Dr. Cynthia Salter-Lewis); daughter, Debbie Lewis; one brother, two sisters, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Mt. Healthy, 7272 Hamilton Avenue , Mt. Healthy (45231). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

He will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Lewis family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Lewis family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.

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