George M. Lewis

George M. Lewis, 87, of Lititz, died unexpectedly, Monday, March 25, 2019 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Lorraine (Rood) Lewis and they celebrated 65 years of marriage on March 20th. Born in Hornell, NY he was the son of the late Mervin and Luella (Lockwood) Lewis. George graduated from Alfred-Almond High School Class of 1949, received a B.S. from Cornell University class of 1953, majoring in Poultry Science. Upon graduation, he served in the US Army as a medic from 1954-1956, stationed in France.

George started his work career in feed sales for the Wirthmore Feed Co., Waverly, NY. Throughout the rest of his career, he was employed by the former Conestoga National Bank, Commonwealth National Bank, Lititz, and Farmers First Bank/Susquehanna Bank, Lititz, founding the Ag Lending departments for each.

Farming was a large part of George’s life. For many years he raised beef cattle and hogs, which transitioned to a purebred sheep operation – raising Hampshire and Southdown breeds. George exhibited his animals at major livestock shows including PA Farm Show, Keystone Livestock Exposition, Maryland State Fair, and the North American Livestock Exposition, and had many champions in Open & Junior Breeding Classes. He supported his daughter Ellen and granddaughters Stephanie and Meghan during their 4-H showing years. He was also known for his garden – neighbors, friends, and family enjoyed the bounty of his meticulously tended vegetable garden each year.

George was a faithful member of Chiques United Methodist Church, Mount Joy, where he served in many capacities including trustee, lay leader, finance committee chairman, usher, and was a member of the softball and bowling teams. He was a founding member and only president to date of Lititz Improvement Inc., the group instrumental in the re-development of Downtown Lititz. George served as treasurer for the Lancaster Farm & Home Foundation for over 20 years, was a board member of AAA of Central PA, and member of the American Business Club for over 50 years. Though George’s schedule may have been busy, he supported all of his children and grandchildren in their 4-H, sports, and music activities. He also was a longtime supporter of the Hershey Bears, and enjoyed his family vacations, including watching the “big ships” pass through on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Surviving in addition to his wife Lorraine are his children, Kenneth (Lisa) Lewis, Manheim, Carol (Robert) Johnson, Manheim, James (Abigail) Lewis, Lancaster, Julie (Doug Lamborn), Lititz, Ellen (William) McCaffrey, Landisville; six grandchildren Stephanie (Brett) Moore, Benjamin Johnson, Meghan Lewis, Michael Lewis, George Lewis, Jack McCaffrey; and three brothers Robert (Bonnie, deceased) Lewis, Donald (Ann) Lewis, and Jon (Christine) Lewis. His parents preceded him in death.


Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at Chiques United Methodist Church, 1215 E. Main St. Mount Joy on Saturday March 30, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. There will be a time of viewing and visitation with the family at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 W. Main St. Mount Joy on Friday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Saturday at the church from 12 noon until the time of the service. Interment will be at Laurel Hill Memorial Garden, Columbia. Please omit flowers. Contributions in George’s memory may be sent to Chiques United Methodist Church, “Roof Fund,” at the above address.