Donald Earl Lewis, 84, a lifelong resident of Newtown, died March 25, following illness. He was born, June 3, 1932, a son of Genevieve (Andrews) and Claude Lewis of Newtown.

A United States Air Force veteran, Mr Lewis served during the Korean conflict, from 1952 until 1955. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a longtime member of Newtown Fish & Game Club. He was also a member of VFW Post 308 in Newtown.

Mr Lewis owned his own garbage business, Newtown Refuse, for many years before retiring. He was also a carpenter. Mr Lewis was also a longtime member of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, having joined in January 1963. He served as the company's chief from 1976 until 1978, and was made a Life Member in August 1984.

His two sisters, Jeanette Perry of Bethel and Martha DiDato of Milford; his children and their spouses, Donald F. Lewis of Southbury, Michael E. and Sandy Lewis of New Milford, and Allan P. and Lynn Lewis of Sandy Hook; his grandchildren, Heather Esposito, Karl Lewis, Christopher Lewis, Garrett Lewis, Nikki Lewis, Derrick Lewis, Gina Lewis, Victoria Lewis, Crystal Quigg, and Michael Quigg; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, survive Mr Lewis. His parents; his wife, Nancy, to whom he had been married for 49 years; his two brothers, Bill and Charlie; and a sister, Marion, predeceased him.

Calling hours will be Thursday, March 30, from 4 to 8 pm, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

Mr Lewis will then be cremated, and a graveside service with military honors will take place Monday, April 3, at 2 pm, at Village Cemetery, Elm Drive, Newtown.

The family asks that donations in memory of Donald E. Lewis be made to American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive,  Suite 900, Arlington VA 22202 or at diabetes.org.