Robert Thurman Lewis

Robert Thurman Lewis was born on November 27, 1934, in Oklahoma City, and left this life on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. Robert was the first child of Alonzo (Arkie) Lewis and Vivian Conrady Lewis, and older brother to his sister, Carol. Robert graduated from Classen High School in 1952 and went on to attend The University of Oklahoma. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and earned a business degree in 1956. He joined the United States Air Force following college and was honorably discharged as a Captain in December 1961.Along with Betty Hasley Lewis Rysted, Robert raised three strong and admirable sons, Robert Thurman Lewis II, David Phillip Lewis, and Christopher Paul Lewis. After leaving the Air Force, Robert became a police officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department, and ultimately went on to retire from Merrill Lynch after a successful 37 year career as a stockbroker. Robert leaves behind his beloved wife Nancy of 37 years. They met in 1980 and were married in January 1981. For years, Nancy and Robert had a daily "date" over a cup of hot chocolate. They loved to travel within the US, but many of their adventures were during extensive travels abroad. Robert loved tennis, golf, boxing, boating with family and friends, ice cream and "spirited" political arguments. He had a gift for picking the most perfect prayers, short stories and poems to recite before every Holiday, special occasion or dinner. He loved to sing the quick mischievous chorus of, "Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo?" which was an inside joke with him and his sons that will live on. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Charles Foster, and his grandson Aaron Owens Brown. He leaves behind his wife, Nancy Elaine Lewis, his sister Carol Foster of Austin and her family, his children, Rob Lewis and wife Patti, David Lewis and wife Theresa, Chris Lewis and wife Tina, Cindy Burleson Brown, Thomas Burleson and wife Wendy, and Laura Burleson Maxwell all of Oklahoma City. He also leaves his precious grandchildren Josh Lewis and wife Charlotte, Adam Lewis, Raylee Lewis, Kelsey Lewis, Justin Lewis, Kristen Brown, Camden Maxwell, Corbin Maxwell, Callyn Maxwell, Madeline Burleson, Claire Burleson, Gillian Burleson, and Reagan Brown as well as many other family and friends. Robert and Nancy were members of Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ. His service will be held there on Monday, August 27 at 10:00a.m. 3901 Northwest 63rd Street. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.