Robert E. Lewis, 87, of Platteville, died on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Southwest Health Center, Platteville, after a long battle with multiple cancers and health issues. A Masonic/Odd Fellows Lodge Service with Celebration of Life will be at 12:00p.m. (Noon), Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Chapel Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #42 and VFW Post #5274. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at the Platteville Golf Course. The family requests no flowers, but to give contributions to local high school awards sponsored by the F & AM Masonic Lodges of Olive Branch #6 and Melody Lodge #2. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Bob was born on March 24, 1929 near Bloomington, Wisconsin, to Howard and Opal (Perrin) Lewis. After attending Bloomington High School he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict, where he was a radio repairman and spent some time in Labrador and Newfoundland. Following his discharge, he attended UW-Platteville; earning both a Bachelors and Master's degree in Secondary Education with majors in Physics and Chemistry. Part of his advanced education grew from National Science Foundation grants. While attending UW-Platteville, Bob met and married Barbara Parkinson. Bob taught high school physics and chemistry in Durand, IL, Hartland Arrowhead, in Hartland, WI, Wittenberg/Burnhamwood, WI, Cuba City, WI, Horton, KS, and Onaga, KS. His interests included membership in the Masonic and Odd Fellow Lodges, participation in church activities, and playing cribbage and card games. Bob learned to fly a private airplane and was a ham radio operator; he was also a Webelo Scout leader. Bob designed and built a home and workshop. He enjoyed traveling in and out of the US, tutoring college students, mentoring exchange students, and was always ready with impromptu scientific explanations. He had a great love for his family and was always the life of the party.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Platteville; three children, Jeannie (Todd) Morando of Kansas City, KS; James Lewis of Junction City, KS; and Nancy (William) Rogers of LaCrosse, WI; and several grandchildren.

Robert Lewis

March 24, 1929 - November 01, 2016

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