Darrell Lewis

Darrell R. "Russ" Lewis 1932-2012
Preston Family Funeral Home
The Daily Independent Thu Jan 12, 2012, 10:24 PM EST

ASHLAND - Darrell Russell "Russ" Lewis, 79, of Westwood, died Wednesday morning, Jan. 11, 2012, in Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland following an extended illness.

Russ was born April 9, 1932, in Ashland, a son of the late Rev. Espie A. and Julia Morgan Lewis.

He was a retired crane operator in the Hot Strip Mill at AK Steel and was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Russ was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Phyllis K. Roberts Lewis, in 2004 and a sister, Dorlis Dillow.

Surviving are two sons, Rick Lewis and wife Teresa of Ashland and Tim Lewis of Harold; and a daughter, Gina Griffith and husband Ronald of Ashland. Also surviving are two brothers, Deb Lewis and wife Evelyn of Palm Springs, Calif., and Drexel Lewis of Ashland; two sisters, Dollwinna Fitzgerald of Palm Harbor, Fla., and Brenda Lewis and husband Charles of Ashland; six grandchildren, Missa (James) McClain, Jennifer (Fred) Nunley, Aaron Lewis, Nicholas Lewis, Cory Lewis and Lexi Lewis; and three great-grandchildren, Taylor and Kyra McClain and Brayden Nunley.

Russ will be fondly remembered by his friends, neighbors, family and all who knew him, especially Bill Coburn, whose friendship included daily visits and spiritual guidance.

A private family service will be Saturday with Bill Coburn and Brother Gary Wurts officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park in Ashland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in Russ' memory to Community Hospice, 1538 Central Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.

Arrangements are under the direction of Preston Family Funeral Home in Ashland.

Condolences may be sent to prestonfamilyfuneralhome.com.