Mass Of Christian Burial For Ray Lewis

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ray Lewis, age 79, of O’Neill, will be at 10:30 A.M, Monday, December 28, 2015, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in O’Neill. Burial will be in the O’Neill Calvary Cemetery, with Military Rites conducted by the O’Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93. Visitation will be Sunday, December 27, 2015, from 4-8 P.M., with a 7:00 P.M. Rosary at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill. Ray passed away early Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital in O’Neill. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, LaVonne, of O’Neill, 5 Children: Tim Lewis of Lyons, CO, Tina Hoff and husband Jeremy of Lincoln, NE, Todd Lewis and wife Colette of Omaha, NE, Trisha Lewis of Denver, CO, step children; Luanne Funk of Pine Ridge, SD, Jerome Pribil of Gordon, NE, Linda Pribil of Allen, TX, Mark Pribil and wife Denise of O’Neill, NE, Tammy Christiansen of Madison, SD, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Charlotte Lewis, two sisters; Kathy and Charlene, and 3 stepchildren; Mary Pribil, Marde Pribil and Gregg Pribil.
Ray was born on June 23, 1936 in Butte, NE, to Charles and Mary (Milner) Lewis. He attended Butte High School and graduated in 1953. Ray served in the U.S. Marine Corp. from May 26, 1955 until May 25, 1958. Ray worked at Biglin’s Mortuary, the O’Neill Police Department from 1967-1971 before managing the S&S Store for many years, which later became Country General Store. He married LaVonne Pribil on October 6, 1985 at the Presbyterian Church in O’Neill. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling and attending dances with LaVonne and remained active on the farm. Family was the most important thing to Ray and he enjoyed spending time with them. He also like to read, especially Louis L’Amour Westerns. Ray was a member of the American Legion Simonson Post #93, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in O’Neill, and a past member of Garfield Masonic Lodge #95 AF & AM in O’Neill.
Fr. Bernard Starman will officiate.

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