Harold Richard Lewis

Harold Richard Lewis, 82, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, after battling a terminal illness, while being cared for by staff members at Heritage Place in Soldotna.

A viewing will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at the Soldotna Bible Chapel in Soldotna. Pastors John Rysdyk and Wayne Coggins will officiate.

Due to severe allergies by Harold's daughter, please do not send fresh flowers to the house or church, or wear perfumes or oils if attending the viewing or memorial service.

Harold was born in Niles, Michigan on Jan. 23, 1934, the firstborn son of Harold H. and Mabel Lewis.

In 1953, Harold attended Omaha Bible Institute in Nebraska. During Nancy's senior year in high school, she and Harold corresponded, which developed into a dating relationship during the following summer. They were married on Sept. 17, 1954. Nancy attended Omaha Bible College with Harold that year.

Harold graduated from Omaha Bible College and they returned to Michigan where Harold attended Western University and Nancy worked for a bank.

From 1958 to 1975, Harold pastored in three area churches in Michigan, where all four children were born.

In July 1975, Harold and family moved Kodiak, to minister at Berean Baptist Church. He served the Lord there until January 1989 when he and Nancy joined Baptist Mid Missions as short-term missionaries.

After serving as pulpit supply for many churches in the Michigan, Ohio and Indiana areas for about a year and a half, they returned to Alaska.

From 1991 to 2014, Harold served as Pastor of First Baptist Church of Port Nikiski. Harold thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing over the years, but even more, he enjoyed eating what the Lord so richly provided, never getting enough salmon and seafood.

Many knew Harold as part owner of the Bear Paw Coffee Shop and Deli in Nikiski. He was often found at the deli helping out, making deliveries or running errands. Harold always had a smile on his face and a friendly greeting for each customer.

Harold was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancy Lee Lewis, who went to be with the Lord on Sept. 28, 2014; daughter, Jewel Lynn Lewis; his parents; father-in-law, George Rogers; and son-in-law, Cameron Plumridge.

Harold is survived by his four children, Janee Button (Rick) of Woodbridge, Virginia, Joy Hill (Steve), Nathan Lewis, and Julaine Lewis all of Soldotna; brother, Robert Lewis, of Augusta, Michigan; his mother-in-law, Sophronia Rogers of Soldotna; grandchildren, Janelle Plumridge (Bryan Morrell) of Kenai; Melissa Baldwin of Soldotna; Catherine Button of Woodbridge, Virginia; and Daniel Button of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and six great-grandchildren, Lacey, Courtney and Owen Plumridge of Kenai and Sierra, Alyssa and David Baldwin of Soldotna.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Frontline Missions International. Donate via PayPal online at www.frontlinemissions.info or by mail to P.O. Box 829, Taylors, SC 29687.

Source: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/peninsulaclarion/obituary.aspx?pid...