Richard William Lewis, age 91, of Wilmington, DE and formerly of Kansas, went to meet his Lord on Friday, June 9, 2023. He was at home with loved ones by his side.
Richard was born at home on a farm in Bloomington, Kansas, and was the son of the late Minnie (Hull) and William Warren Lewis. He was raised in Bloomington and Osborne, Kansas and graduated from Riverside High School, Osborne, KS in 1949. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Kansas University. After serving his country, Richard returned to school and was awarded a Master of Science degree from Kansas University in Electronic Engineering in 1961.
He proudly served his country in the US Air Force during the Korean War from1952-1956. Richard was a flight engineer on the ten engine B-36. He was honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant.
He started his career at the Boeing Company in Wichita, Kansas where he was a senior research engineer in Advanced Technology. Richard then later worked for the Dupont Company in Wilmington, Delaware as a research engineer. He held several patents in polymer fiber production technology. Richard also held patents in navigation technology and vehicle tracking on digital maps. One of his projects in vehicle tracking was recognized as one of the top ten engineering projects in the nation in 1976.
While at Boeing, Richard met another scientist, Mary Berns. They married in 1979 and moved to Delaware in 1985. In his younger years, he was an avid Bridge player and accomplished figure skater. Richard and Mary enjoyed longtime interest in pondering mysteries of modern physics and astronomy and solving math puzzles. They also enjoyed together international travel, photography, art and live theater. Richard loved watching his Kansas University basketball team. He had a private pilot’s license and an amateur radio license. Richard was also skilled in portrait drawing.
After retirement, Holy Rosary School in Claymont, DE was blessed with Richard teaching math. He was also an admired mentor for many extracurricular math and science teams competitions. As a retiree, Richard loved to learn and exercise his mind. He attended classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and participated in the retiree’s chess club. Richard was active in his church having taught classes, participated in services, and volunteered in the Greenbank Church of Christ Food Pantry.
Richard is survived by his wife of 44 years Mary (Berns) Lewis; children from a previous marriage and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 24 at 10:30 AM at Greenbank Church of Christ, 511 Greenbank Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808. A time of fellowship and light food will follow in the church’s fellowship hall. Burial will be in Kansas privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation be made to Brain Research Foundation111 West Washington Street, Suite 1460 Chicago, Illinois 60602 or www.thebrf.org/donate/
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
