Truman Lewis, 83, of Urbandale passed away peacefully on May 3 in Des Moines. Visitation was held May 6, 2016, at Iles Dunn's Chapel, 2121 Grand Ave, Des Moines. Funeral services were May 7, 2016, at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, 511 Des Moines St., Des Moines.
Truman was born on November 8, 1932, in Cambridge, Iowa, and graduated from Huxley High School in 1950, and from Luther College in 1956. He then served in the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict. He married Delores Thorson on June 1, 1957. Most of his professional career was with Pioneer Hi-Bred in Johnston.
His Christian faith and belief in Jesus was his priority, and Truman reflected this his entire life without compromise. One of his greatest loves was singing in the church choir, an activity that he participated in for nearly 60 years as a member of Central Lutheran Church and later Capitol Hill Lutheran Church.
Humble volunteer service to things important to him was a life-long commitment. As a member of Central Lutheran Church, Truman and Delores served as Luther League sponsors for three years. Truman coached the church softball team in the Des Moines league. For three years he taught Sunday School for high school students. He served as Sunday School Superintendent for two years. Truman also served the youth as an adult leader for a Lutheran Sky Ranch trip. In addition, he served as church president once, treasurer twice, a deacon for six years, and he served on the Board of Education for six years.
When Central Lutheran Church combined with First Lutheran Church to become Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, Truman served for three years as the finance Committee Chair, in addition to serving as treasurer for the Endowment Board.
Another organization that Truman volunteered with was the Lutheran Social Services. He was recognized by this group as the Volunteer of the Year. He also served as a Polk county conservator for several individuals. In the Toastmasters International group, he served as president and as treasurer. Truman served as president and also financial secretary for the local Sons of Norway organization.
The Lions Club International recognized him with both the Warren Coleman award and the Melvin Jones Fellow award for his dedicated service as a Lions Club member. His community service as a Lion spanned more than 30 years. Truman served as president, treasurer, and for many years was the top light bulb salesman for their primary fundraiser.
Truman enjoyed sports and played baseball in high school and for Luther College. He helped construct the original Little League Baseball fields in Urbandale. For six years he coached Little League baseball teams, and he also served as an umpire during those years.
His children were involved in Scouting, and that meant that Truman also volunteered his time to this organization. He provided leadership as a Webelos leader and as a Cubmaster of Pack #3 in Urbandale. He was the treasurer and troop committee member of Troop #206 for nine years. He travelled as an adult leader to Philmont Scout ranch, was an Order of the Arrow member, and served as a member of the Volunteer Corps for the Mid Iowa Council for 20 years.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Clarence and Hilda Lewis; sisters Norma Lewis, Viola Van Gilder, and Doris Lewis; and brother John Lewis.
Truman is survived by his wife of 58 years, Delores, of Urbandale; daughter Norma (Lewis) Porter ’81 (David Porter) of Plymouth, Minnesota; two sons: Paul of Dubuque and Arlan of Huntington Beach, California; and two granddaughters: Sarah and Erica Porter of Plymouth, Minnesota.
Memorials may be made to Iowa Lions Foundation, Capitol Hill Lutheran Organ Fund, Luther College, or the Urbandale Historical Society.