Commander Earl Gardner Lewis Jr.
OBITUARY
We mourn the passing of Earl Lewis of Poway, CA, who died this past Sunday morning from a short illness. Earl was born in Chicago, IL to Earl Gardner Lewis and Virginia Gale Lewis. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Lewis and his brother, Cary Lewis.
After graduating from college, Earl entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1963 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer, receiving his commission as an Ensign on June 12, 1964. On October 24, 1967, while serving as a Radar Intercept Officer aboard a F-4 Phantom, Earl was shot down over North Vietnam and taken prisoner. He endured more than 5 years as a Prisoner of War before his release on March 14, 1973.
Earl continued to serve his country with honor and dedication, ultimately retiring from the U.S. Navy in 1985.
Following his distinguished military career, Earl began a second chapter in residential real estate and property management, where he became known for his integrity, professionalism and dependability.
Earl is survived by his wife Marilyn, with whom he shared two step-children, Shawnascy Chalk and Craig Chalk, He is also lovingly remember by his four children; Earl G. Lewis III, Keith Lewis, Melissa Tallman and Mark Lewis and his five grandchildren.
Earl will be remembered as a man of strength, courage and devotion to both his family and his Country. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he loved and served.
In lieu of flowers, Earl would love any donation to Wounded Warriors and Palomar Health Palliative & Hospice Care.