Bantam - Thomas Allen Lewis was born in Hartford on August 14, 1926 to Ethel Emonds and Thomas Lewis. He passed away with the comfort of his wife and daughter by his side at his home in Bantam on September 1, 2017 at the age of 91.

Survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty (Willis) Lewis of Bantam and their beloved dog Annie, his daughter Debbie and her husband John Ocain of Bantam, son David Lewis and his wife Judy of Barkhamsted, and a legacy of 10 grandchildren; Whitney & her husband Nicholas Galgano, Kyla Ocain, Kelsey Ocain, Rygel Lewis, Devin Lewis & his wife Wendy, Parker Lewis, Taylor Lewis, Kevin Hughes, Johnny Hughes, and Sara Hughes; 4 great grandchildren and many
nieces and nephews.

Known to many as Allen, Tom attended school in Hartford until he enlisted in the US Air Force at the age of 16. He was an airplane mechanic during World War II, and was educated through the Air Force in electrical and machinist work. After his service, he married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Willis of Watertown, in 1946. He built his own house in Morris where they lived together for 40 years while raising their family before moving to Bantam.

Tom worked at Aerospace as a toolmaker for thirty years, where he led the formation of a much needed union. He continued his interest in building and home improvement and often assisted his family and friends with their home maintenance. He was an avid gardener and a clever craftsman, and also enjoyed boating and skiing when he lived on Bantam Lake. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, and a previous member of the Bantam Fire Department.

He found the most joy as a devoted family man who spent his free time helping and entertaining his loving family, and he delighted his grandchildren with the ingenious scavenger hunts he planned for them.

Thomas Lewis was the man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend that most people can only strive to be. Many will remember him for his warm smile, sense of humor, brilliant mind, and huge heart. Services will be private.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Bantam Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 456, Bantam, CT 06750.

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