LEWIS, Jay E.

Published by Today's News Herald on Aug. 31, 2021 - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - Jay E. Lewis, 90, was born in Quanah, Texas on Feb. 25, 1931 and passed away in Glendale on Aug. 19, 2021. He was born to John C. Lewis and Mary E. Kyle. He is survived by his wife, Graciela Bojorge Lewis, his son Steve Lewis, his daughter Karina (Lewis) Hale, his brother Kenneth Lewis, his grandchildren Raissa, Melissa, Michael, Alex, Alyssa, Jaden and Kaylee and his great-grandchildren Desiree, Andrew, Jordan, Zoe, Thomas, Luke, Evie and Isaac. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Gilbretta, Johnnie Mae, and Mary and his daughter, Dawn Rae. Jay was a veteran of the Air Force who served in the Korean War. Upon leaving the Air Force, Jay joined the California Highway Patrol. When he left the CHP, he began a life of restaurant ownership that extended throughout three states. He also enjoyed success in politics in Palmdale, California and was instrumental in helping that city to incorporate. Furthermore, Jay pioneered the sister city program in Palmdale and Lake Havasu City, which is a program that unites a city in the U.S. with a city in Mexico and builds strong international relationships. Jay inspired many people throughout his life, and we will be forever grateful, but in his words, "It has been a great rodeo and a wonderful ride through a very full and eventful life." A memorial service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Sept. 7, 2021.