It is with a heavy heart that I write this: Marvin “Marv” Robert Lewis, 66 of Cameron, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2020, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg from complications of Covid-19.
He was born on October 8, 1954, to Carol E. (Simpson) and Robert “Bunk” Lewis. He married the love of his life, Marge, on January 24, 1981, and we were just short of our 40th wedding anniversary. It was love at first sight, this burly, handsomely rugged man, who reminded me of Grizzly Adams, had stolen my heart. Over the years, we would laugh over this analogy. Those who knew Marv know that he loved unconditionally. I never once felt I did not have his love and support. Even when I wanted to go on a “ghost hunt”, which we did almost every place we traveled to, he would go and listen to me. Most of the time, he thought I was “batsh** crazy” his words, not mine, but he would follow me anyway. He would remark that my sense of direction was null and void and if he didn’t go, I would get lost. That is probably a true statement. I will remember his sense of humor. That was one thing about him I noticed right off, how he could make me laugh. I will dearly miss that.
Marv leaves behind his devoted and loving wife of almost 40 years, Marge; his children, Robert (Denise) Williams of Galesburg, Amanda (Prentice) Lewis of Galesburg and Dustin Lewis of Moline; his granddaughter, Hailey Lewis and his grandsons, Nathan Lewis, Jordan Williams, and Brayden Williams; his two great-grandsons, Jackson and Jerome “Romie”; one brother, Merle (Becky) Lewis of Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind an enormous number of friends. I didn’t know anyone who didn’t like Marv, as he was the life of the party and made friends easily. He definitely had the gift of gab. He was on the phone more than I ever was. Marv will be missed for so many reasons. He was truly a great man. Marv enjoyed camping at the river – his second home, fishing, deer hunting, and “bullsh***ing” with his friends. Marv loved his friends. Three men in particular that he felt were his brothers were Tony Jenkins of Avon, of whom he had known since his childhood, Scott “Adjer” Chasity of South Carolina, an old Navy buddy, and Scottie Goodell of Oquawka. You all played such a role in his life, and for that “I thank you”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved sister, Susie (and now he will be able to get answers to so many questions).
My heart breaks at losing you, but I am glad we had prepared for the day that one of us would go. When it is my turn, I want you there, waiting to grab my hand. I loved you the minute I saw you. You have given me so many memories that will comfort me as I move forward as “me” and not as “us”, and for that “I thank you”.
There will be no visitation or funeral per our wishes. Cremation will be accorded. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
