Richard Allen Lewis

After a courageous 3 year battle with prostate cancer, Richard Allen Lewis passed away on October 2, 2017. Born to the late Edward and Lillian Lewis on December 8, 1939, Richard spent his childhood years in Indianapolis and Plainfield. When it was time for college, Purdue University was his choice and Civil Engineering his major. Money was hard to come by for school, so part time employment during the school year and summer work was the answer for his tuition.
But it was Richard’s 2 year military experience in the Army that taught him commitment, leadership, and the value of hard work. He often said, “I learned more life lessons in those 2 years than at any other time. It was an invaluable experience for me.”
With school and the Army behind him, Richard put his engineering degree to work, successfully constructing Lewis Engineering in Plainfield, IN. While there he was an active member of the community serving on several committees and demonstrating his strong sense of leadership. Over time he established himself in Hamilton County and started The Lewis Group Land Development. He created several neighborhoods including Fox Chase, Windjammer, Fox Chase, Tamenend and The Anchorage, to name a few. He then went into partnership with The Precedent, and together developed Windermere in Fishers, IN.
Richard never knew a stranger with his fun sense of humor, kind heart and boundless energy. He was a caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will continue living through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Richard, we are all better individuals for having had you in our lives.
Richard is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen Ann Lewis; children Christopher and Dianna (Larry) both from Phoenix, AZ, Heather (Kevan) from Ft. Wayne, IN; sisters Miriam Cheshire of Phoenix, AZ, and Nancy Crawford of Beaumont, TX; brothers John Lewis (Marlene), Plainfield, IN, Edward Lewis (Susan) Clayton, IN; grandchildren, Ashley (Kyle), Cory and Zachary all from Phoenix, AZ, Avery, Lauren and Charlie Biggs all from Ft. Wayne, IN, and who can forget Richard’s first great-grandchild, Mason, from Phoenix, AZ; and a host of nieces and nephews.
We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating Richard’s life on Thursday, October 12, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road with visitation from 10:30 a.m. until noon, followed by a service honoring Richard’s life.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, Richard’s favorite cause, www.Wounded Warrior Project.org/donate

Richard, until we all meet again somewhere in time, rest in peace.