Jerald 'Jerry' Bruce Lewis

Funeral services for Jerald ‘Jerry’ Lewis, 83, of Lusk will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 18, 2019 at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Auditorium.  Interment will be at Lusk Cemetery.  Jerry passed away at Niobrara Community Hospital Thursday, November 14, 2019 after a short battle with cancer. 

Jerry was the oldest child of Lester and Rose Lewis, growing up south of Van Tassell, WY on the ranch homesteaded by his grandparents, Charles (Ed) and Laura Lewis.  While going to elementary school in Van Tassell and prior to moving to Van Tassell in 1953, Jerry rode his bicycle from the ranch to school each day.  He graduated from Harrison in 1955, earning his Nebraska and American Farmer recognition from the FFA. Jerry was an active 4-H member under Si West, earning a trip to Chicago and later served as a 4-H leader in Niobrara County.  In 1957, Jerry enlisted in the Army National Guard.  He married Mildred Buckley in 1958, purchasing the Lewis Homestead south of Van Tassell from his Grandparents, where they ranched and raised cattle and sheep.  Jerry’s ability to build and maintain machinery and equipment was marveled by many.  Two children were born of this union and they attended Van Tassell school until it’s closure.  Jerry then drove the kids and other students to Prairie Center School until it’s closure in 1973, while continuing with the ranch.  Jerry drove the Sioux County (Harrison) High School Activity Bus and was the maintenance supervisor for 9 years beginning in 1977, living in Harrison.  Jerry and Mildred moved to Lusk in 1986, where he was the maintenance supervisor for the Niobrara County Hospital until his retirement in 2005.  Staff stated that, “Jerry could fix something out of nothing.” 

In retirement, Jerry enjoyed spending time attending his grandchildren’s 4-H and school events, often traveling across the state.  He was also very creative with woodworking, making all the grandkids very elaborate train sets, that they cherish to this day.  In 2012, he got the opportunity of a lifetime to go hunting for moose in Alaska with his son.  He also enjoyed camping and fishing with family.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mildred; children:  Patricia (Horton), husband, Stan; Wayne, wife Laurie;  grandchildren: Garrett Horton, wife Katie; Brent Horton, Shay Horton, Blake Lewis, Megan Lewis, great-grandchild, Jack Horton; and sister Linda Freese and family.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Melvin.

Memorials may be made to Stagecoach Museum, PO Box 367, Lusk, WY  82225; or to the donor’s choice.

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