Stanley Nelson Lewis

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Stanley Nelson Lewis, 86, of Christopher, Illinois passed away at 3:10 a.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at the Herrin Hospital.

Stanley was born Nov. 16, 1923 in Sesser, Illinois to George Nelson and Cora Elizabeth (Elkins) Lewis.

He married Ella Dee Peek in 1948 and together they share 61 years of marriage until her passing on July 14, 2009.

He is survived by a grandson, Nelson Newton of Lemont; three granddaughters, Leora Dee Newton of Christopher, Linda Newton Brandon and Sue Newton-McDonald both of Kentucky and five great grandchildren.

His parents and a son, Thomas Newton also preceded him in death.

Stanley was a member of the Horse Prairie Baptist Church north of Sesser. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II who served with the 414th Bomb Squadron in Rome Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley, Southern and Northern France and the Rhineland. He was decorated with three Overseas Services Bars, Euro African Mid-Eastern Theater Ribbon with one silver and three bronze battle stars.

He, along with his wife, Ella Dee were the former owner/operators of Lewis' Pit Barbeque in Benton.

Funeral services for Mr. Lewis were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 18, 2010 at Vantrease Funeral Home in Zeigler with Pastor Bob Boyett officiating. Burial with military grave side rites courtesy of the Zeigler and Orient American Legions, the West Frankfort VFW and the Marion National Guard Flag Detail was at the Horse Prairie Cemetery north of Sesser. Visiting hours were after 9:00 a.m. Friday until the hour of the services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Lewis are suggested to the Horse Prairie Baptist Church, c/o Mrs. Paula Levault, 304 W. North Street, Sesser, IL 62884. To view this obituary and sign the online register book, visit our website at vantreasefuneralhome.com.