Obituary
Richard Evans Lewis passed away on August 14, 2024, surrounded by what he cherished most—family, love, and laughter. Born on December 25, 1932, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Edna Louise and William Watson Summerville Lewis, Richard’s Christmas birthday became a lifelong blessing because it was always celebrated with large family gatherings. His only occasional objection was the figgy pudding birthday cake made by his mother-in-law.
When asked about his youth, Richard was most proud of his time as a paperboy during World War II. Starting at the age of 12, he delivered newspapers to over 100 homes and, on busy news days, sometimes twice a day, personally collecting payment from customers weekly.
In 1953, two life-changing events shaped his future: he met his wife, Myrna Gritman, on a blind date, and he joined the U.S. Navy. As a volunteer for Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica, Richard helped establish the base at Little America. He took on dangerous tasks like driving cargo loaded tractors across the ice shelf, exploring a semi-active volcano, and serving as flight crew on supply missions between New Zealand and the Antarctic. On his final trip, he survived a harrowing plane crash during a white-out landing. After recovering, Richard left the Navy in 1957 and married Myrna.
Shortly after he and Myrna welcomed their first child, Richard graduated from Tri-State College in 1959 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. His career began with installing defense systems for the Air Force on the West Coast, and later he contributed to the space program. As his career progressed, the family grew, eventually welcoming five more children while moving across the country—from California to New York, Washington, D.C., and finally settling in Houston, Texas, in 1970.
Throughout his life, Richard was an active member of his community and church. He was a founding member of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Houston, where he served on the Vestry and sang in the choir for over 20 years. He was a devoted Scout leader, role model, and constant source of wisdom and support for his children. His family always knew they could turn to him for advice, encouragement, and confidence in their chosen paths.
In 1991, Richard endured the profound loss of his beloved wife, Myrna. A few years later, he met and married Gwendolyn Smith Clapp. She captured his heart with a shared passion for entertaining, travel, and good food. Together, they spent nearly two decades as volunteer park rangers in Rocky Mountain National Park. There he led interpretive programs, hiked trails, painted watercolor landscapes, and embraced his love of the outdoors.
Richard loved to sing. He sang in the Navy choir and with friends in his barbershop quartet. He performed with choirs at every church he was a member of, including St. Dunstan's and United Methodist Memorial Church. At birthdays, Richard sang with great enthusiasm, including his own. For Richard, any situation was an opportunity for a good sing-a-long..
Richard's joyful spirit was contagious. He had a gift for making anyone he met feel like a friend — sharing dad jokes, memorable rhymes, and funny stories. His warmth and humor brought people together, whether chatting with strangers on a park bench or connecting with loved ones over a meal.
Richard is survived by his six children: Amy Heywood Branch of Tacoma, WA; Elizabeth Lewis Pratson of Chapel Hill, NC; Richard Lewis II and Wendy Lewis Carnegie of Austin, TX; Stephen Lewis and Evan Lewis of Kingwood, TX. He also leaves behind their spouses, brothers and sisters in-laws (he affectionately called them "outlaws," because they were wanted), sixteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Watson; his brother, Walter; his sister, Ginny; his wife of 34 years, Myrna; and his wife of 26 years, Gwen.
A memorial service will be held 10am on December 14th at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, where Richard's life, love, and legacy will be celebrated.
He will be remembered for the joy brought into this world and shared with everyone he met.
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