JASPER: Terry L. Lewis, 62, of County Route 123 passed away Friday (Dec. 8, 2017) at Corning Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer.
Terry was born January 26, 1955 in Hornell the son of the late Bert and Lola (VanSkiver) Lewis. On August 23, 1975 in Jasper he married the former Diane Horton who survives and resides in Jasper.
Terry was a lifelong resident of the Jasper area and was a graduate of Jasper Central School class of 1973. He furthered his education by attending Corning Community College where he earned an associates degree in criminal justice. He had worked at GMAC of Elmira for a short period of time before returning home to Jasper and working along- side his father at Texas Refinery Corp. (TRC). He worked at TRC for better than 20 years. He also worked in sales and announcing for WLEA/WCKR Radio station in Hornell and was a travel guide for Covered Wagon of Hornell. His working career eventually led him to be an insurance agent for the Manley Insurance business in Jasper, which was eventually sold to the Ryan Agency of Hornell.
Terry had attended the West Jasper Wesleyan and Woodhull Baptist Churches, he was a member and past Master of Robinson Lodge #695 F&AM and a member and past Patron of the Jasper Order of Eastern Star.
Terry’s civic involvement included being the Jasper Town Supervisor, former member of the Jasper School District Board of Education and Jasper Vol. Fire Dept. He was also on the Jasper Old Home Days committee at various times. Terry’s true commitment and love was to scouting. He was a Cub Scout Leader and Scout Master for Troop #46 in Jasper and Commissioner of the Five Rivers Council. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award which is the highest award given by the Five Rivers Council. He was also awarded the District Award of Merit by the Thunderbird District and the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scout Award which was the highest scouting award given to a Mason. Terry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle who loved the time spent with his family.
In addition to his wife Diane of Jasper, Terry is survived by three sons, Bryan (Andrea) Lewis of Alfred Station, Jayson Lewis of Jasper and Ethan Lewis of Auburn, four daughters, Tracy (Christopher) Parker of Jasper, Ashley Lewis of Horseheads, Evelyn Lewis of Bath and Brooke Lewis of Jasper. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Romyn, Kaleb and Kayleigh Parker, Iris Lewis and Faith Loysch, one sister Judy Lander of Bath and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Terry was predeceased by a sister Betty Lou Lewis.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 and 6-8 pm Wednesday, with a Masonic service at 7:45 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo where funeral and committal services will take place Thursday at 11:00 am with Pastor Brian Diffenbacher officiating.
Memorial contributions in Terry’s name may be made to the Five Rivers Council, c/o Gary Decker, 244 West Water St. Elmira, NY 14901.
Online condolences and memories may be shared through hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com.
