Delwyen L. Lewis

Delwyen L. "Del" Lewis, 76, died Saturday, May 19, 2012, at an Abilene medical center. The son of Pearly Inez (Luna) and Leon Lewis, he was born on August 5, 1935 in Durant, Oklahoma. Following graduation from high school in Royce City, Texas, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was an electrical engineer on aircraft aviation instruments and an instructor. During his military career, he served in various locations including Luke AFB in Glendale, Arizona, where he worked with the USAF Thunderbirds on their aircraft aviation instruments; Harmon AFB in Newfoundland; Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois; Vietnam; and Dyess AFB in Abilene from 1972 until his retirement on May 1, 1975. He retired after a 24-year military career with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Del then pursued another career with Brown & Root, a global engineering, construction and services company. He worked in The Philippines and Puerto Rico, as well as Beaumont, Texas, as an electrical engineer on petro chemical instruments, retiring from Brown & Root in 1995. Del was a well-rounded, versatile person. He was a member of John Sayles Masonic Lodge #1408 in Abilene; Shriners International; Suez Shrine Temple in San Angelo and Suez Klown Club; Scottish Rite; and life member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 36 in Abilene. He was also a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene. During retirement he also enjoyed time spent doing yard work and working out at the gym. Del was preceded in death by one son, Ricky Don Lewis in 1979; his parents; and three sisters, Charlotte, Shirley and Jeanette. Del is survived by his wife, Margaret Lewis of Abilene; son, Roderick Dale Lewis of Anson; three daughters and their spouses, Betty Yvonne Benton Sowder and Don of Springtown, Texas, Theresa Annette Patterson and Tony of Irving, and Terri Ann Waxler and Denny of Georgetown, Texas; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Rita Fikes and husband Clovis of Birmingham, Alabama, Patsy Harrell of Celeste, Texas, and Becky Pilkerton of Garland, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 21, in The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with Dr. Jeff Reid officiating. Masonic and military services with full honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. The family will receive friends from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the donor's favorite charity.