Ronald Ray Lewis

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Ray Lewis, who lived in Marion, Illinois at the time of his passing. He was 68 years old as he departed on January 21, 2023.

He was born in Dallas, Texas but Houston would become his family home with his wife Dr. Kathryn Lewis and their two sons Christopher and Jonathan. There in Houston he found joy in being an educator, first as a special education teacher at a nearby high school before pursuing his masters and transitioning into being a history professor at a local college.

A student and teacher of history, Ron was also an outdoorsman, handyman, and the family chef. He loved fishing and was always happiest on or near the water, but also enjoyed exploring the mountains and woods of Texas and California with his son. He worked daily to improve the lives and surroundings of his family using his cooking, woodworking and craftsman skills – always able to fix and improve things, and always, always available to support his family through any struggle.

In his last year of life, he joined host John Odle to broadcast a twice-weekly radio broadcast on Southern Illinois’ WGGH Radio for a program called “The Other Side” on FM 98.5/AM1150, available also online at https://www.wggh.net/index.php?page=the-other-side.

Charismatic, supportive, skilled, and loving – he will be missed. He is survived by his wife and two sons, his mother Alice Lewis and his two sisters Judy Lewis and Cecilia Gates.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in Houston, Texas in the spring of 2023.

Binkley-Ross Funeral Home was entrusted to assist the family with arrangements.