Dr. Edward Lewis

     Dr. Edward Lewis was born in Guyana, South America. He was the second youngest of nine siblings all growing up in a humble and supportive community. His mother’s love and value of education encouraged him to pursue his dreams to become a doctor. Just a couple years after his father’s death, at the age of 15, with courage in his heart and $50 dollars in his pocket he boarded a freighter as a stowaway to go to Trinidad. There he would get a higher education at Caribbean Union College so he could teach. Edward returned to Guyana’s Amazon where he always remembered his 5th grade students running to him calling “Teacher, Teacher, we saw a Jaguar”. He saved all his money to come to the United States to become the doctor he always wanted to be. Edward would always give such gratitude to the education he received through the Seventh Day Adventist church and educational system. His faith brought him to the United States where he studied at Berrien Springs Michigan attending Andrews University for his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. There he met Olga who would become his wife.
     He then was accepted to Loma Linda Medical School in California where Ed became Dr. Lewis 50 years ago. During his 5 years of surgical residency at LA’s White Memorial Hospital, he fathered his two daughters, Andrea and Michelle. His daughters would choose to follow in their father’s footsteps with the same love and desire to serve others. Michelle is a Medical Doctor with a specialty in Family Medicine/Geriatrics in California and Andrea is a Doctor of Dentistry at Andrews University in Berrien Springs.
     After his residency, he was called to return back to Michigan by a rural Adventist Church in need of a General Surgeon in Edmore. He would spend the remaining 45 years providing surgical care in Mid-Michigan. He retired from Sheridan Community Hospital and Carson City Hospital in June 2011. Dr. Lewis was so thankful for the opportunity to serve his community in healing others. He always felt the best part of his job were the people.
     Dr. Lewis met and married his wife, Dawn, who loved and supported him for the last 23 ½ years. From early on in their relationship, Edward knew that they were meant to be. Ed and Dawn truly loved each other. They started their days with a cup of coffee on the front porch and were always at each other side. Together they loved and enjoyed watching their grandchildren come into the world and grow.
     He is survived by his daughters: Dr. Michelle Lewis; Dr. Andrea Beckford (Dane) with children: Genavive, Micaiah, Kenji, and Emelia; Ginger Wetzel (Mark Johnson) with children: Anna, Ellie, Mateo, and Roxy Castillo; and Rachel Chapko (Adam).
     Dr. Lewis’s inspiration was not just limited to his family. He would often ask and inspire others to reach their heights in service. Certainly, many brothers and sisters in Christ may attest to Dr. Lewis being an integral part in their journey of loving and serving others. He greeted everyone as family with a big hug, smile, and calm presence. Dr. Lewis became known as “Eddy Bear” the gentle giant.
     A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Alma Elks Lodge from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. 
     Memorials may be given to Ithaca Fire Department & Rescue Services. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.