Kenneth Eugene "Kenny" Lewis

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” ~ Pablo Picasso

Kenny Lewis was born in Monroe, LA, on September 11, 1953, and he died Saturday, December 31, 2022, after a three-year lionhearted battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy Dupree and Jack Lewis.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Landrum Lewis; son, Ken Lewis; daughter, Cheri Lewis; siblings, Kathy Hummel, Jack “Buster” Lewis (Becky), Patricia Lowry (Max Lee), and Denise Burroughs (Bobby); grandsons, Desmond Lewis (Natalie), Kenny Lewis, and Jack Lewis; trusted friend and mentor, Dix Johnston; and multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Much has been said about the dash between birth and death dates, and Kenny’s dash was filled with a remarkable life because he understood that the secret is to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. The highlights of his life were treasures, but the daily gifts of family, friends, nature, and spending time with his cherished Karen were equally as joyful. Until his last day of life on earth, he saw every day as a new opportunity to give back in thanks for all his blessings.

Kenny had the logic and mind of an engineer and the heart and soul of an angel. He used his talents to give of himself. He was an artist and a craftsman at carpentry and renovations, and friends joked that if they did not hide their tools when he visited, he was certain to find a task he could complete at their homes.

Cancer took Kenny’s life, but it never stole his kindness and compassion, his resolute faith, and his interest in learning about everyone he met. He was in and out of numerous health care facilities during the past three years, and everyone who cared for him made it a point to comment on how his courage, strength, and determination motivated them and how his attitude encouraged and inspired them. He engaged them with conversation about their families and his family. He showed them pictures of people he loved and asked to see their favorite pictures. He talked about music, food, sports, and hobbies. On the days he could not talk, he smiled. His instinct was always to focus on the needs of those around him, even when he was the patient.

The family expresses its gratitude to Kenny’s medical teams at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and St. Francis Oncology and Hematology Clinic, Glory Therapy, and Cornerstone Specialty Hospital in Monroe for their exceptional care and benevolence.

Services for Kenny will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at Christ Church Sterlington in Monroe with Pastors Tom Lowe and Mario Mouser officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:30 A.M. at the church, and interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Balsamo, Leo Balsamo, A.J. Chase, John Eaves, Delvin Price, and David Walker.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bobby Burroughs, Dix Johnston, and Jeff Smith.

Those who wish to honor Kenny’s memory may do so by donating to St Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org), the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), or a cause of their choice.