David William "Dave" Lewis, 54, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis hospital in Wichita, KS, as the result of a stroke.  He was born November 25, 1969 in Garnett, KS, the first of 2 sons born to Kenny and Carolyn (Barrons) Lewis. He had recently moved to Stockton, KS from Lawrence to be near family.

Growing up in Garnett, Dave was a bright, active child who kept his parents, teachers and grandma Opal on task. He spent much of his childhood outdoors with his brother, Daryl, and friends, swimming at the local pool, playing baseball and other sports, fishing at the North Lake and even flipping over rocks to look for new pet snakes. In quieter moments, Dave developed his talent for drawing. As an adolescent, he spent so many hours playing Pac-Man at the local Pizza Hut that he memorized and outsmarted the game.

After high school, Dave moved to Lawrence, where he spent most of his adult life.  Eventually, he attended vo-tech school in Soldier, KS and became a heavy equipment operator.  He continued to enjoy being outdoors and tended to favor the music, cars and other things from his youth in the 1980s.

A meaningful time in Dave's life was getting to know his son, Jeremiah, often participating in their shared hobbies of playing guitars, throwing darts, playing pool, fishing and riding motorcycles.  Jeremiah's 2 young daughters didn't have many years with their grandfather, but they had some special time together, as Dave was able to pass on his legacy of fishing with them.

Life was not easy for Dave, but he was blessed with extended family and friends who loved him, even though they couldn't always understand how best to help him.  They take comfort in knowing that Dave is now at peace in the presence of God and the loved ones who went before him.

Dave was preceded in death by his father on January 10,1994 and his mother on April 28, 2023.  Also going before him were his grandparents, A.D. & Wilma Barrons and Opal Kelley.

Surviving him are his son, Jeremiah Kerr and wife, Anna Marie, granddaughters, Kylie and Brooklynn, all of Plainville, KS; brother, Daryl Lewis of Lawrence; nephew, Tyler Lewis of Gardner; close friend, Pepper Habben of Edgerton; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of life is being planned for early fall.  Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be at Garnett Cemetery in Garnett, KS.