Philip Clair Lewis, 83, of Redfield, SD died Monday, June 15, 2015 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield.

His funeral will be Friday, June 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Redfield. Reverend Marty Toepke-Floyd will officiate. Lunch and fellowship will be at the church hall, and burial at a later date.

Visitation will be Thursday from 4-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. and the family present at 6:00 p.m. www.thelenfuneralhome.com


Philip Clair Lewis was born September 29, 1931, to Bruce and Margaret (Roberts) Lewis, on a farm near Ashton. As a child, Phil moved with his family to a farm east of Ashton, which became the family farm. Phil graduated from Ashton High School in 1949. He entered the US Army in 1952, served in Korea, and was discharged in 1954.

Phil was united in marriage to Eleanor Becker on June 20, 1954. Their union was blessed with five children. They farmed with Phil's parents and later with Phil's sister and brother-in-law, retiring in 1995. They lived on the family farm until 2008, when they moved to Redfield. Eleanor passed away in 2011. Phil has been a resident of the Eastern Star Home since 2013.


Phil was a member of the Ashton Methodist Church and after it closed he became a member of the Redfield United Methodist Church. After he retired from farming, Phil enjoyed fishing and restoring antique tractors. Phil was active in the Ashton community. He served on the Ashton All School Reunion Committee, helping to plan several All School Reunions and also served on the Ashton Community Hall Board for many years.


Phil is a lifetime member of the American Legion , the VFW and the 40/8 club. He served on the township board. He served on the Northwestern School Board for 12 years, missing only 2 meetings.


Blessed to have shared his life are his children: Joy (LeRoy) Braun of Mellette; Mary Kay (Bruce) Paul of Fort Dodge, IA; Warren (Carolyn) Lewis of Tulare; and Dale (Lisa) Lewis of Frankfort; his grandchildren: Mark Braun, Jeremy (Terri) Braun, Korie Braun, Scott (Dani) Kruthoff, Matt (Tiffany) Kruthoff, Richard (Kellie) Lewis, Stuart (Tiff) Lewis, Christian Lewis, and Spencer Lewis. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Landon Braun, Cael Kruthoff, Braden Kruthoff, Kacey Kruthoff, Carson Kruthoff, Bruce Lewis, his sister: Kaye (Robert) DeYoung of Aberdeen; two sisters-in-law: Hazel (Gene) Maher of Redfield and Dolores Becker of North Platte, NE; and many nieces and nephews.


He is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor on April 8, 2011; daughter Diane in 1963; two infant sisters, Janet and Joanne; and two brothers-in-law Clarence Becker and Donnie Becker.