Dr. Eric Lewis was doctor, veteran

DOWNEY - Dr. Eric O. Lewis, a medial doctor, World War II veteran and a resident of Downey for 59 years, died Sept. 15 at his home in Downey.Lewis is survived by Dr. Eric A. Lewis, Shirley Marshman and Nancy Jewell, 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Lelia, and daughters, Beverly Hollowell and Kathy Yoder. He was born Sept. 10, 1921 in Vancouver, Canada and moved at a young age to California. His studies at UC Berkeley were interrupted by his service to the United States Army in WWII. After the war he married Leila Mae Paxman, finished his studies at Berkeley and attended medical school at USC. In 1950 he moved to Downey and established a family medical practice in Norwalk. He took pleasure in delivering more than 2,500 babies, including five of his own grandchildren. In the years that followed Lewis was active in the community. Following the death of his wife in 1984, and his retirement in 1986, he remained involved in his grandchildren's lives, while still living in the same house on 6th Street. He also established a scholarship to honor his wife's commitment to education. A memorial service will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park on Saturday at 1 p.m.

********** Published: September 23, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 23