Traverse City-Charles Edward "Ed" Lewis Jr., 87, a retired employee of the Traverse City Iron Works, of Traverse City, died Wednesday afternoon, May 23, 2012 at home.

Born August 26, 1924, in Toledo, OH, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Myrtle (McPherson) Lewis.

He was a decorated Veteran who received the Bronze Star for his extraordinary acts of valor while under direct enemy fire while he was serving with the United States Army during WWII.


Charles is survived by a son, Edward W. (Cathy) Houdek of Imperial, MO; two step-sons, Mark W. (Sue) Brown, of Duluth, MN and Gary G. (Dotty) Brown, of Northport; seven grandchildren, Jacqueline (Brown) Koepp, Elisabeth (Brown) Helstrom, Stephen Brown, Cody Brown, Kim (Unger) Miller, Ross Houdek and Anne (Houdek) DeWys; along with twelve great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Sandra N. Lewis, who died on October 28, 2004 and a grandaughter Dawn (Houdek) Croff.

Graveside Services under the auspice of the V.F.W. Cherryland Post #2780 will be held at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 11:30 A.M.

In remembrance of Ed, memorials may be directed to the V.F.W. Cherryland Post #2780.

Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Arrangements are pending with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.