Jess "Bob" R. Lewis

Jess “Bob” R. Lewis, 89, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Marian Home. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the Historic Bruce Funeral Home, 923 1st Avenue South, with Rev. Eric Howard and Annette officiating. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. 

Jesse was born July 24, 1935, in Iowa City, IA, the son of Jesse H. and Edith M. (Harris) Lewis. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 1954. On June 27, 1954, he was united in marriage to Mary F. Cooper in Fort Dodge. From 1954 – 1964 he served in the Army National Guard. Jess worked as a draftsman and designer in the Architecture industry until his retirement in 2000. His family and faith were very important to him. He had a strong passion for the Lord. Jess was involved in many offices of his church through the years and had given his life to the Lord long ago. He was very involved in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scoutmaster for Troop 9 in Fort Dodge. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow, where he became a Vigil member. He received his Wood Badge and later became a Wood Badge instructor. Due to his years of involvement in the BSA, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, one of the highest honors bestowed to a Boyscout leader. He was a longtime member of the Noon Lions Club as well. During his years with the Lions, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin Clowning School and was a past member of the World Clowning Association. He was well known as “Bobbo” the clown and entertained kids and adults alike with his participation in parades and special events for the Lions Club. He held many offices in the Lions and was proud of their programs where he personally participated in Vision Screening for Children in the middle and grade schools and his involvement with the Leader Dog Program. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for his tremendous contributions to Lions Club International. Jess was also a Ham Radio operator for many years and talked to other Ham Radio Operators around the world while trading cards with their call signs on them. His call sign was WD0AXF. He loved fishing, which allowed him to connect with nature and enjoy tranquility. His love for the outdoors extended into eagle and bird watching. Jess was also a talented artist, engaging in drawing & wood carving. He carved numerous figurines that demonstrated both his talent and dedication to perfection. Each piece reflected the meticulous attention to detail that characterized his work in all areas of life. With his figurines he is leaving a legacy of beauty and artistry that will be cherished by his family and friends. In addition to his artistic talents, Jess was an accomplished photographer. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association, past charter member of the Fort Dodge Rifle and Pistol Club, High Powered State of Iowa Rifle Team, Wood Carving Club, past member of Kiwanis International and the First Baptist Quilting Group. He also served 28 years on the City Board of Appeals as well as the Board of Directors for Passion for Souls Transforming Lives Outreach. 

Jess is survived by his wife of 70 years: Mary F. Lewis of Fort Dodge; 3 children: Larry Lewis and wife Colleen of Las Vegas, NV, William “Bill” Lewis and wife Cindy of Kenyon, MN, and Anastasia “Stacy” Weimer and husband Jim of Fort Dodge; 2 grandchildren: Chelsey Anfinson and husband Andrew and Daniel Lewis; 3 great grandchildren: Drew Anfinson, Naomi Anfinson, and Miles Lewis; 2 sisters: Bonnie Passow of Fort Dodge and Linda Seehusen and husband Gordon of Fort Dodge. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: Dale Lewis and James Lewis; sister: Doris Winters; and a brother in infancy: Donald Lewis.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.