Thomas Gene Lewis

Thomas Gene Lewis, 65, of O’Fallon, IL, born Saturday, November 16, 1957, in Alton, IL, strolled into the arms of Jesus Monday, December 19, 2022, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Tom graduated from Wood River High School and Ranken Technical College. He was a Senior Engineer Technician in Research and Development at Cardinal Health. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in O’Fallon, IL., where he served as a Deacon and Trustee of the Church. In years past, his passion for teaching God’s Word led him to teach preschoolers through adults. No matter the age group, he desired to help people grow in their faith. Even when he wasn’t actively teaching, he continued to mentor people of various stages of life. A wink, nod, or an encouragement to another father of twins assuring him that he would survive those infant stages. Tom was also an incredible writer. His wit and solid convictions are evident in the stories he wrote through the years. We will treasure these always. While he would tell you he wasn’t that smart, he managed to have 11 patents as an inventor with a twelfth one pending. He also had several other patents that he assisted on through the years. He had a brilliant mind but was never boastful. He loved to fix and make things. His family was always coming up with projects and often he would come up with ideas that made the result even better. He was Papa to his granddaughter. Oh, how his face would light up when he saw her on a video chat. “Where’s my Jo?” was always his phrase. He was an incredible father. He was a true example of what a father should be. Always listening, guiding, and directing our children to seek what God’s plan was for their lives. He always encouraged, supported, and desired only God’s best for his children. He willingly sacrificed any material desire he had to provide for his family. His eyes lit up with joy when he could provide anything that would help his children. Finally, he was an incredible husband. He loved fiercely and was true to scripture by loving his wife as Christ loves the church. He was a true example to the children of what they should look for in a spouse. No words can describe the love we had for him or the love he had for us.

He was preceded in death by his:

• Parents: Harry Edward and Gladys Lee Malcom, Lewis

Surviving are his:

• Wife: Kathryn Lewis of O’Fallon, IL
• Children
  • Alexander Benjamin Lewis of O’Fallon, IL
  • Andrew Thomas (Kasi) Lewis of Troy, IL
  • Lisabeth Kathryn (Kramer) Patterson of Ozark, MO
• Brothers
  • David (Annette) Lewis of Bethalto, IL
  • Roger Lewis of East Alton, IL
• Granddaughter: Joanna Louise Patterson
• Dear nieces and nephews

Tom continued to give by being a tissue donor, helping over 75 other people.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Mosaic Crisis Pregnancy Center, First Baptist Church of O’Fallon Creation Corner or First Baptist Church of O’Fallon Building Fund.

Visitation: Visitation from 3:00 – 7:00 pm, Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at First Baptist Church in O’Fallon, IL

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at First Baptist Church in O’Fallon, IL with Rev. Skip Leininger, Rev Tom Dawson and Rev Doug Munton officiating. Private burial on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.