Dr. Lewis

Robert William Lewis was born on March 25, 1918 to Ida Eaton Lewis and John Frank Lewis in Carterville, Illinois and passed from this life on August 27, 2004 in a local hospital. Bill and his wife Janice celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this year. Their love inspires and uplifts everyone around them. Bill and Janice pursued most all of their activities together, including designing their home in Kerrville where they moved in retirement 25 years ago. Bill grew up in coal mining towns in southern Illinois, graduating from high school in West Frankfort and earning a degree in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University in 1940. He was a gifted scientist and persevered with his masters and doctoral studies in Microbiology and Chemistry at Indiana University, where he earned the Ph.D. in Chemistry. He served on the roster of scientific personnel during World War II, and then began a 37year career with Shell Oil Company in Illinois and Houston. Bill enjoyed his chosen career as a research chemist and was known as a kind, generous and inspirational mentor to his coworkers. Bill also authored various publications and held patents in catalysts, electrochemistry, petroleum products and processing, and petrochemicals. Bill was a tenderhearted lover of people and the natural world around him. He loved exploring the beautiful Hill Country with frequent hikes, swimming in rivers, gardening, and golfing at all the nearby courses. He was fascinated by the beautiful details in Gods creation: from cellular research to maps, geography, birds, flowers and trees in all their infinite variety. His affection for animals, especially for his own dear Springer Spaniels was a lifetime theme.Bills encircling, passionate love for his family will sustain them forever. He is survived by his wife Janice Lewis, daughter Leah Lewis, of Kerrville, daughter and soninlaw, Melissa Lewis Russell and Craig Russell, of Austin, granddaughter Sarah Lindsey and husband Randel Lindsey, of San Antonio, grandsons Robert Russell, Carson Russell and Wesley Russell, all of Austin. His humor, kindness, humility, generosity, loving touches, and the twinkle in his blue eyes are part of us forever.A celebration of Bills Christian faith in the resurrection will be at 2 p.m. Monday, August 30 at Trinity Baptist Church in Kerrville. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Society, PO Box 26460, Austin, TX 787550460, to the church or charity of your choice.

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