Jeffery Donald Lewis

      Jeffery Donald “Jeff” Lewis, age 73, of Elsie, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
      A Celebration of Life with luncheon will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Elsie, where family and friends will gather to honor a man whose presence filled so many lives with laughter, loyalty, and stories worth retelling.
      Jeff was born in Owosso, Michigan on November 16, 1951, the son of Donald F. and Betty Jane (Johnson) Lewis. He was a proud graduate of Ovid-Elsie High School, Class of 1970.
      A true outdoorsman at heart, Jeff loved hunting, fishing, and spending time in the quiet beauty of the Upper Peninsula. Trout Lake was his second home—his treasured deer camp where he spent countless years sharing adventures, tradition, and lifelong memories with friends who became like family.
     Jeff retired as a heavy equipment operator and was a dedicated member of Operating Engineers Local 324, taking pride in his craft and the work he left behind. Above all else, Jeff loved his family deeply. He is survived by his daughters: Angie and Christie (Crawford) Lewis of St. Charles, MI, and Jessie and Sean Hunter of Benzonia, MI; and by his cherished grandsons: Jacob, Parker, and Samuel, and his bonus grandchildren: Addie and Alex, who brought him endless joy and pride. He is also survived by his sisters: Jackie (Frank) Danalewich of Westerville, OH, and Carol Onweller of Bath, MI; along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends—especially his French Road Family. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law Michael and Karen Lewis; his brother-in-law Bruce Onweller; and his nephew Ryan Lewis.
      He was a proud grandpa who celebrated every milestone, big or small, and who believed wholeheartedly in the bright futures ahead for his grandsons. 
     In his honor, the family invites those wishing to express sympathy to consider supporting the boys’ future educational endeavors in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be shared at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.