Gary Wayne Lewis, age 80, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Wednesday evening, November 29, 2023, at his home.

     He was born September 14, 1943, in Clay County, the son of Eldo Woodrow and Eva Fern (Hurd) Lewis.  He was united in marriage to Vivian Sue Lewis on May 4, 1963, in Shawneetown and together they shared 57 years of marriage until her death on August 26, 2020.

     Gary worked for 44 years in the oil field, working as a driller for several area companies.  He enjoyed coon hunting, arrowhead hunting, refurbishing cast iron skillets, and playing the guitar.  He collected guns and knives over the years.  Gary loved animals and time spent with his family and was lovingly referred to as “Old Man” by his grandkids.    

     He is survived by his children: Tim Lewis of Flora, Herbie (Annie) Lewis of Salem, Melinda (Jason) Miller of Flora, and Barbara Brown of Flora; 15 grandchildren: Chelsea (Robert) Henson, Dustin Lewis, Stephanie Lewis, Kyle Lewis, Tiffany (Christopher) Henley, Daniel Green, Paul (Tabby) Green, Josie (Alex) McIntosh, Christopher Ferguson, Kirby Coble, Parker Coble, Heather (David) Gonzalez, Nick (Denise) Burkett, Gary Burkett, and Trey Miller; 25 great-grandchildren; a sister: Jane Priest of Hanson, Kentucky; and his faithful canine companion, Bam Bam.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; an infant child; 3 brothers: Larry, Don, and Mike Lewis; a sister: Debbie Jones; and a son-in-law: Kelly Brown.

     A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday December 4, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Rick Forth officiating.  Interment will follow in Bloom Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the Flora Coon Club, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com