March 9, 1939 - April 11, 2017
Bob was born March 9, 1939 in Sioux Falls, SD to Oliver & Coletta Lewis. He was one of six siblings. After the passing of both parents, he moved to Medical Lake, WA, at the age of 12, to live with relatives.
In 1956, after completing his education, he joined the Navy. He served on two aircraft carriers as an Aviation Electronics Technician, until his honorable discharge in 1962, as a 2nd Class Petty Officer. Also, that same year Bob met
and married Charlyn Thompson.
They started their married life in San Jose, CA where Bob worked in the Aero Space Industry as an Electronic Technician for United Technology. At United he was involved in the testing of solid rocket motors for the space capsule. While residing in San Jose they welcomed their first child, a son, Kevin in 1965.
In 1965, the family moved to Santa Barbara, CA where Bob started working for General Motors Research Center. While there he worked on the testing and research of the 1st Lunar Rover Vehicle, automobile airbags and seismic ocean readings from nuclear bomb tests in the Aleutian Islands. A daughter, Kathy, completed their family in 1968.
In 1974, the family moved to Carson City, NV where Bob joined his brother, Bill, in the operating of a sporting goods store, Carson Sports Center. During this time he enjoyed coaching and serving on the boards for his son’s Little League baseball and Pop Warner football teams. He especially enjoyed the time he spent coaching his son’s recreation basketball teams.
Bob had a great love of cars. From Jaguars to TR3s and TR4s in his early twenties, to classics later in life. He spent many hours restoring a 1929 Model A Pickup, 1950 Chevy Ford Pickup, and several Ford Rancheros.
Upon the closing of the sporting goods store in 1981, Bob started his manufacturing management career. He worked for Richdel, Hamilton Company, and Incline Technology before his retirement in 2001.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Coletta; his siblings Donna, Jean Ann, Geraldine, and Jack.
He is survived by his wife, Charlyn Lewis; two brothers, Bill and Eugene; his children, Kevin Lewis, Kathy Shaheen (Jeff); his two grandchildren, Emilee and Josh Shaheen; numerous nieces, nephews and loving family.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, April 21st, 11am at Walton’s Funeral Home, 1281 N. Roop St. in Carson City, with a reception immediately following at The Plaza Event Center, 801 S. Carson St.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Carson City in Bob’s name.
