Eli M. Lewis, age 88, of Vicksburg, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Clayton and Edith (Plummer) Lewis owned a small family farm in Athens Township, Michigan, still known as the Lewis Farm. Farming was hard work, but there were also great times. One of those great times for the Lewis family was on Friday, September 28, 1934, when Eli was born into the family, joining his sister, Lois. They and their younger brother, Glenn, grew up together and learned to work on the farm.

Eli took on his share of the responsibilities of farming, later recounting stories of ornery cows and working on neighboring farms. He was also an excellent student in school. In high school he was named editor of the school newspaper, and he graduated from Athens High School in 1952, where he was the class salutatorian.

Eli joined the Army in 1955 and was honorably discharged two years later, then he returned to farming. He agreed to a blind date set up by friends, where he met Judith Kay Switzer. They enjoyed each other's company, then love worked its wonders, and Eli and Judy were married on August 30, 1958.

Soon they were thrilled to be expecting their first child, and Shellie Jayne was born in 1959. Another daughter, Polly Ann, soon followed in 1960. First son, Timothy Clayton, was born in 1961, and Daniel Eli was born in 1964.

A growing family needed more income than farming could provide at the time, so the family moved to Vicksburg where Eli went to work at Simpson-Lee Paper Company, and he enjoyed working there as a paper tester for the next 30 years. After his retirement, he worked for the past 25 years at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp.

Over the years the family took many summer vacations together to various states and enjoyed holidays with extended family. Eli enjoyed working in the yard and tending roses, writing personal poems for family and friends' special occasions, and spending time with grandchildren and family.
He was also a loyal Detroit Tigers fan and could often be seen wearing a Tigers ballcap and a smile, regardless of the Tigers' win-loss record.

Eli and Judy discovered a wonderful life in Jesus Christ early in their married years, and from then on were very involved in and devoted to the churches they attended and loved, and they raised their children to know and understand the importance of salvation in Christ and living a life to honor God. Eli is highly regarded by so many as a man of great integrity. And because of their devotion to God, he and Judy have created a legacy within their family that will last for generations to come.

Eli has always been a man of few words but great humor. He would listen to conversations around him, then he would throw in a comment at the opportune moment that made everyone laugh. That humorous trait has been passed to following generations, and the many family gatherings are always filled with much laughter. Eli always considered himself a very blessed man and was thankful for all his family.

Eli was a humble man, accepting and loving everyone as they are. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and early on learned the importance of saying, "I love you." Eli and Judy recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary with their family. Judy now remains with the family, broken hearted but strong in her faith in Christ, and surrounded by their surviving family, which includes daughter Polly (and Jeff) Preston, sons Tim (and Gail) Lewis and Dan (and Patti) Lewis, all living in Vicksburg, and their special dog, Annie. Thirteen grandchildren also remain
to fill the family with joy. Shellie's children are Stefan (and Heather) Bladen of Illinois, Shane (and Kim) Bladen of Hawaii, Seth (and Stacey) Bladen of Louisiana, and Shannon (and Aaron) Pitre of Plainwell. Polly's children are Tina Garner of Kansas, Amy Leasure of Vicksburg, and Brad Preston (and Samantha Kobb) of Schoolcraft. Tim's children are Mindy (and Jacob) Mikel of Fulton, Hollie (and David) Beeman of Jackson, and Tyler (and Becca) Lewis of Holland. Dan's children are Emma Lewis of Vicksburg (and Daniel Kuruvilla of Wisconsin), Olivia Lewis of Vicksburg, and Elijah Lewis of Vicksburg. Eli is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren, with twin great-granddaughters expected as a Christmas gift; his brother, Glenn (and Nancy) Lewis of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

Eli was preceded in death by his first child, Shellie Lewis Bladen, grandson-in-law Ethan Leasure, his sister, Lois Lewis, and his parents.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. to noon; funeral service will begin at noon, officiated by close family friend Rev. Ed Courtney; followed by a luncheon, all at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, 7520 East U Ave., Vicksburg. Following the luncheon, the family will meet at Boughton Cemetery in Scotts, where Eli will be laid to rest near his daughter. Anyone who wishes to make a donation may give to the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com