Willis Duane Lewis

Duane was Born in Pocatello, Idaho on October 3rd, 1952 to Willis Richard Lewis and the lovely Arvilla Lucille (Walker) Lewis. He grew up in Inkom, Idaho about 10 miles south of Pocatello. His father passed away just months before he was born, so Duane was a very special blessing to his mother and a source of great joy. He faced many challenges during his formative years and even spent a year or more in Primary Children’s Hospital. He was also placed in foster care at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas O’ Short in Salt Lake City. Duane spent a few years with them as they helped him with his speech and physical therapy, for his first few precious years. Eventually he returned home to Inkom to be with his mother and siblings. All of them were very grateful for his return.

Duane attended Inkom Elementary school, as well as Marsh Valley High, and graduated in 1971. Afterwards, he served honorably in the Dallas, Texas Mission.

Following his mission Duane met his sweetheart, Julie Ann Whiting, while attending Idaho State University. At the New Year’s Eve Party in 1976, Duane asked Julie out to breakfast, and she agreed to go. They did not see each other again until the opportunity came to participate in a multi-regional dance festival. Julie remembers her mother telling her to call Duane and ask if he would participate with her in the festival. After Julie let it be known that they had only been out on the one date, her mother proclaimed that she would ask Duane if Julie did not. So Julie called Duane and he agreed. The rest, is as you say, history.

After seven months of dating they decided to get married. Duane and Julie were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 7th 1976. They spent their honeymoon on a little road trip to West Yellowstone, Montana.

In November that same year, they moved to Salt Lake City,Utah. Duane, being the hard and diligent worker that he was, worked several different jobs and often two jobs at the same time. The one job that really stuck was working Distribution for the LDS Church. Duane worked tirelessly for the Distribution center for close to 35 years. Retiring in 2011.

In 1981 Duane and Julie were blessed with a baby boy, Nathan Lee. Life was content for nine years until the family of three became a family of four, when Kimberlee Dawn finally showed up. Followed a close 13 months later by baby brother Wesley James. The family of Willis Duane was complete.

Until several years later when Nathan married Crystal (Bias). Together they made Duane a grandpa for the first time, with the birth of Cailee Nichole. Two years after that William Armstrong was born, and then Andrew Eric. Last but definitely not least, another granddaughter Grace AnnMarie. Duane enjoyed the fact that he was considered by so many others to be Dad and Grandpa. Duane loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart and they loved him just as much.

Throughout his daily life Duane could be found watching movies and tv with his wife and kids, or taking the family dog out for a walk. Duane, with his sweet and kind nature, always had all sorts of animals drawn to him. So often that his family referred to him as the Disney prince. Duane could also be found outdoors for picnics and walking through creeks. Enjoying the fall colors and brisk mountain air. One of his greatest joys was watching fireworks. His children remember him always telling them to come look at the lights, whether it be fireworks or Christmas lights, fall leaves or pretty flowers. He always made time for the scenic route and loved nothing more than a long fall drive through a canyon. Duane was always telling his family to stop and enjoy all the beauty life has to offer.

Willis Duane Lewis was indeed a gentle giant among men. A beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father and friend.

Duane is survived by his wife Julie Ann, his children Nathan Lee, Kimberlee Dawn, and Wesley James. His grandchildren Cailee Nicole, William Armstrong, and Grace AnnMarie, his older brother Leo Dean and his wife Bonnie, and his older sister Sharon Lewis Koho, and also many nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents Willis Richard and Arvilla Lucille. His older sister Bonnie Aleene and her husband Robert Kirk Beck and his Grandson Andrew Eric Conley Lewis.

The Lewis Family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff of Symbii home health and hospice, also to Comfort Home Keepers as well as his brother-in- law Merlin Hansen. For the care they provided in his last days.

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