John L. Lewis

Mr. John L. Lewis was born September 25, 1945, to the union of the late James H. Lewis and the late Minnie Joseph Lewis.

John had been a lifelong resident of Leslie County and was currently residing at Smilax, Kentucky.  By occupation, John was a retired coal miner.  He worked as a continuous mine operator for more than 33 years with the Whitaker Coal Company.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and taking his morning trips to the post office.  He also appreciated a good cup of coffee while sitting on his porch with his daughter Diane.  Above all, he cherished the time spent with his great-grandchildren.

John departed this walk of life on Tuesday, January 03, 2023, at the Hazard Appalachian Regional Medical Center.  He was 77 years old.

In addition to his parents, John L. was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Vernon Lewis, two sons, Gerald “Jerry” Wegford and James David Lewis.  Also, two brothers, Dwayne and Callie Lewis.  He was joined in death by his sister, Rita Wilcox.

John leaves behind two sons, Johnny Allen Lewis (April) of Smilax, KY and Jody Lewis of Mozelle, KY.  One daughter, Diane Lewis of Smilax, KY, one brother, William Henry Lewis of Hyden, KY, three sisters, Margie Napier of FL, Rhoda Kilburn of Wooton, KY and Mary Farler of IL.  Three cherished grandchildren, Greg Sizemore (Megan), Courtney Lewis and Paige Napier (Stewart), three cherished great-grandchildren, Mason, Gannon and Graceyn Sizemore.  A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive.

The funeral service for Mr. John L. Lewis will be held at 12 noon Friday, January 06, 2023, in the chapel of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home with Jonathon Shepherd and his grandson, Greg Sizemore officiating.  The obituary will be read by Rocky Jett.

Interment will follow in the Lewis Cemetery at Levi Branch, Smilax, KY.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 6p.m.– 9p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home chapel.

**The family requests that all coal miners who plan to attend would please bring their coal miner's helmet and light.  There will be a  walk through of miners with lights at the beginning of John's service**

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home.