Melvin Edward Lewis

After 93 years of colorful living, Mel ran out of film and stories to write, so he moved on to other adventures on October 14, 2010, at his home in Holladay, Utah. He was born February 21, 1917, in Redding, California, to Edward Leaman Lewis and Laura Belle Haynes Lewis.
He grew up quickly, setting out on his own at the age of 13. He became a pilot, and owned his own airplane while still in his teens. After nine years in the Army Air Corp flying multiple combat tours in the South Pacific and training pilots, he became a flight instructor at the Alta Airport.
He worked for Standard Optical pursuing his passion for photography, a passion that drove his activities into his nineties. His photos were published in periodicals and archived in a special collection at the University of Utah Marriott Library. For 40 years, Mel was a mechanical engineer for Ingersoll Rand installing equipment in large industrial plants. He served as a temple worker at the Jordan River Temple.
Mel was blessed to have two special loves in his life. Sara Mae (Sally) Fryer Lewis was his first love; she passed away in 1984 after 38 years of marriage. They had two sons, Tom and Jim. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1967. Marian Pyott Adams Lewis was his second love, a cherished companion for 25 years. Inseparable in their travels, activities, and associations, they shared a deep love and devotion to each other.
Some of his favorite things were: cooking, the outdoors, family celebrations, a good laugh, flowers (especially roses), visitors, and his beloved sunroom. In recent years, his passion focused on writing. He was a prolific author of poems, inspirational thoughts, stories and novels, leaving his family and friends a lasting legacy. Mel certainly was an example of living life to its fullest even to the end.
Family members deeply appreciate those who lovingly cared for Mel the last few months, particularly neighbors, The Holladay 8th Ward Relief Society, The Good Shepherd Hospice (especially Barbara & Veronica), and Home Instead (especially Sam & Tea.)
Mel is survived by his wife Marian; children Tom (Joan) Lewis, Jim (Shannon) Lewis; step-children Scott (Diana) Adams, Mark (Marie) Adams, Terry Lynn (Alden) Carpenter, Toni (Terry) Rogerson; grandchildren: Shalisse (Joseph) Johnstun, Michael (Devon) Lewis, Daniel, Kristy and Laura Lewis; great grandchildren Sara, Zina, and Jack; 13 step-grandchildren, and 5 step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Sara Mae (Sally) and all his siblings: Hazel, Violet, Murle, and Dorothy.
Memorial services will be held on Thurs. Oct. 21, 12:00 noon at the Holladay 8th LDS ward chapel, 5450 So. Holladay Blvd. Family visitations will be held at Cottonwood Funeral Home, 4670 Highland Dr., Holladay, on Wed. Oct. 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and also before services at the church from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Interment Holladay Memorial Park, 4900 Memory Lane, Holladay.