Clarence Lewis

All who knew Clarence Lewis would agree that he brought the world around him to life.  He was a hard working and honorable man whose spirit of generosity was beyond comparison.

Born January 29, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri to Levi Lewis, Sr. and Doreather Mason Lewis, Clarence was nicknamed “Biddie” by his mother because he was such a small baby at birth.  His family affectionately kept the nickname throughout his life. Clarence spent most of his growing years in St. Louis, MO and, at age 14, he moved to East Chicago, Indiana to live with his aunt, Florence Decree.

Several years later, Clarence joined the United States Army.  He was trained as an electrician and welder, traveled to Europe and the Caribbean, and served during the Korean Conflict.  He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1956.  He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Good Conduct Medal and Sharpshooter (Carbine) Award.

After leaving military service Clarence returned home to East Chicago and his job at Youngstown Sheet and Tube from which he retired in 1969.  Clarence was known for his work ethic and dedication to whatever task was at hand. Having one of the most diverse careers that introduced him to many throughout the community, Clarence worked for:
• Joe Gray’s Grocery Store
• Youngstown Sheet and Tube
• Metro Glass Factory
• Hawkins & Dennis Funeral Homes
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Driver’s License Examiner)
• Lake County Sheriff's Department (Sherriff)
• Lake County Superior Court (Chief Bailiff)
• East Chicago Fire Department (Fire Commissioner, Appointed by Mayor Robert Pastrick)
• Divinity Funeral Home
• East Chicago Shrine Center (Rental Manager)
• School City of East Chicago (Board Member, Appointed by Mayor Anthony Copeland)
• East Chicago Police Department (Police Commissioner, Appointed by Mayor Anthony Copeland)
Clarence loved to talk, never knew a stranger, and had an opinion about any and every subject.  One of his favorite subjects was politics. He kept abreast of all local and national political happenings.  As an active member of the Republican Party he served as Precinct Committeeman and East Chicago Republican City Chairman.  Two of his greatest accomplishments of his political life was his attendance at the inaugurations of President Richard Nixon and President Ronald Reagan.  Sometimes you have to leave your favorite party for other reasons. Clarence and Valda were both in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Clarence was initiated into the Prince Hall Masonic family in 1968.  He loved his brotherhood and served in many capacities. He earned the titles of Past Master of Lakeside Lodge #47 (originally known as Twin City Lodge); member of Magic City Consistory #62; and Past Potentate of Mahomet Temple #134 Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine.

Above all, Clarence was a devoted, loving and fun husband, son, brother, uncle and father. He married Betty Jean Jones and they parented three children, Clarence, Jr., Kathi Marie, and Jeffrey Moses. He later fathered Marvin Demetrius with the departed Johnnie Mae Robinson. In 1976, Clarence met the love of his life Valda A. McReynolds.  Their first date was November 17, 1976 and they married soon after on December 15, 1976. Valda brought with her to this marriage a five-year-old daughter, Anjanette Marie, who he later adopted as his own. God blessed the family with two daughters, Margaret Elizabeth and Flora Annie (Peach).

The biggest disagreement that Clarence and Valda had throughout their beautiful marriage of forty-three years was which of their high schools was the best - his East Chicago Washington “Senators” or her Gary Roosevelt “Panthers.” (You know whose side you’re on. ��

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