Carl B. Lewis

Carl B. Lewis, 94, of Kearney died Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Kearney Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family and loved ones. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Pleasanton United Methodist Church with the Reverend Kayla Mangrich officiating. Interment will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery with military honors provided by the Nebraska National Guard in Conjunction with Pleasanton VFW # 9481 and American Legion #321. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be shared at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to the O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Carl was born November 11, 1930 in rural Elm Creek, Nebraska to Clarence and Edith (Cushman) Lewis. He was raised in Ravenna, and attended Ravenna High School, graduating with the class of 1948. On June 5, 1949, Carl was united in marriage to Darlene Lammers in Ravenna, NE. Carl served in the U.S. Army from 1952, serving both active duty and as a reservist, until his honorable discharge in September of 1991, reaching the Rank of Lt. Col. With a thirst for knowledge, Carl earned his Bachelors, Masters and his PhD from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Carl was a longtime Professor and Dean of Economics at Kearney State College until his retirement in 1992. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Steve Lewis and wife Kay of Haviland, KS, Dave Lewis and wife Jackie of Kearney; daughters, Pat Starkey and husband Gary of Grand Island, Linda Cohn and husband Steve of Omaha, NE; 16 grandchildren, Christi (Matt) Lewis, Jenni Lewis, Lisa (Doug) Trent, Heather (Brock) Long, Joshua (Stephanie) Lewis, Robyn (Scott) Clevenger, Blake (Staci) Pritts, Adam (Danielle) Pritts, Sean (Sidney) Starkey, Zachary (Sadie) Lewis, Erin (TJ) Bond, Shane (Jessica) Cohn, Nichole (Chris) Ulibarri, Marisa Cohn, Derek (Denise) Cohn, Ashley (Troy) Durnell; as well as many, great and great great grandchildren; sister, Sharon Selvage of Lincoln; many extended family and close friends; special veteran friends, Russell Horst, James Curfman, Danelle “Nelly” Nelson; as well as many veteran brothers and sisters. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; devoted wife, Darlene; and brothers, Albert and Clarence Jr. Carl’s life was marked by a devotion to his family, service to his country and passion for learning. His kindness, wisdom, and steadfast spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Carl B. Lewis

November 11, 1930 - January 14, 2025