Robert E. Lewis of Portage, IN, passed away on April 22nd, 2012. Born on December 14th, 1921 in Gary, IN to William and Alma Lewis. The last survivor of nine brothers and sisters, he was a graduate of Emerson High School class of 1940, where he was Cadet Colonel of the ROTC Program in Gary, IN and active in the high school band and musical department. Bob was a WWII army veteran. He served in Europe from 1944 to 1945 as a tank commander with five battle stars. He was a member of the 5th Armored "V"- Victory Division. He retired from NIPSCO in 1982 after 42 years of service and was a proud lifetime union member and officer of Steelworkers Local 12775. He was also a Life Member of VFW post #7760 in Portage.
On September 27th, 1942 he married Irene Stropky, his wife of 69 years who survives. Bob is also survived by his daughter Melanie (Brooks) Gorden and his son, Brian (Jackie) Lewis. He was a proud grandfather of seven grandsons, Jason and Daniel Lewis and Adam, Brooks, Jeremy, Brett and Tyler Gorden. Bob is also survived by a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Lewis, in 2001. Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to VNA hospice in Valparaiso, IN would be welcomed.

Funeral services are Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart with Rev. Andrew J. Corona officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation is Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart. Call (219) 942-2109 or at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.