Billy Ray Lewis

1st Sergeant Billy R. Lewis, 86, US Army Retired, passed away April 27, 2016 in Topeka, KS. Lewis retired from the Army in February 1969, after 21 years of service. He served in the 25th Infantry Division in Korea, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg North Carolina, 42nd Artillery Group in Germany, Kansas National Guard Advisor Group in Topeka and 3rd Armored Division in Germany and other units in the states and Japan. During this period he received the Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute/Glider Badge, Army Commendation Medal with Oak League Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Korean Campaign Medal with two stars, Good Conduct Medal (5knots) and Korean Presidential Service Medal. After a short period in Real Estate, Lewis was in the Shawnee County Sheriff office for 13 years until medical problems caused his retirement there. His favorite past times were camping, travel, fishing and hunting. Lewis married Colleen Smith Benteman in November 1967, she survives.

He was preceded in death by his mother Grace Roettger, father Marvin Lewis, brother Bobby Lewis and grandson Raoul Bonvouloir. He is survived by son Billy (Kathy) Lewis Jr, daughter Debbie Bonvouloir, stepson Randal (Denise) Benteman, grandsons Richard Lewis and Dustin (Amanda) Benteman, granddaughter Michele (Jared) Rakestraw, great granddaughter Makayla Lewis, great grandsons Tyler Lewis and Ryker Jeffery Rakestraw, sister-in-law, Lynn (David) Kurtz, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will begin at 12 noon on Monday, May 2, 2016 at Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, with funeral services beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family. To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.