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1939-2026
John R. Lewis, 87, of Canfield, passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 10, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Boardman.
He was born June 26, 1939 in Salem, the son of John J. and Elizabeth M. (Reese) Lewis.
John was a 1957 graduate of Salem High School and he attended the University of Cincinnati. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a Sergeant in the Army Security Agency from 1959-61 in Japan and Korea. After returning from the service, John attended Youngstown State University and the University of Wisconsin School of Banking, from which he graduated.
He married the former Nancy E. Kimmel on Sept. 9, 1967. Together they shared almost 47 years of marriage and many happy memories. She preceded him in death July 18, 2014.
John retired in 2000 as Senior Vice President and Branch Administrator for Mahoning National Bancorp Inc. following 35 years of service. He held many positions within the bank including Branch Regional Manager, and Branch Manager of the North Lima, Struthers-Poland, Boardman, and Cortland locations. He also oversaw the instillation of their ATM machines and network, along with construction of new branches in Austintown, Boardman, Canfield, and Struthers. After retiring from the bank he worked as a consultant for several years for Bank Equipment Company of Sharon, Pa.
John was active in raising funds for the United Appeal and Red Cross. He was a past member of the Youngstown Club, past member and President of the Boardman Rotary Club, 1982-83, and recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was also active with the Canfield Baseball Club for several years as a coach and manager.
After retirement he took up genealogy as a hobby along with his wife Nancy and they belonged to the Mahoning Valley and Ohio Historical Societies, spending many hours and miles tracing the family's ancestors throughout Germany, Scotland, Wales, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
John is survived by his son, Robert J. (Nichole) Lewis, of Poland. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Evan Michael Lewis and Kara Elizabeth Lewis.
Besides his wife, John was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the Lane Funeral Home Canfield Chapel, 65 N. Broad St., Canfield.
Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the funeral home.
John will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife in the Grandview Cemetery in Salem.
In lieu of flowers material contributions may be made to the Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460, in John's memory.
This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
9/14/26