BURTLESS, Lewis Grant

Published by Today's News Herald on Sep. 10, 2025 - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - Lewis Grant Burtless of Lake Havasu City, AZ died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the age of 86. He had been under care by Hospice of Havasu after a courageous battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. Lou was a devoted son, husband and father, a hard-working businessman, and a caring friend. Lou was born on March on March 21, 1939, in Auburn, New York to George and Flora Burtless. He was the youngest of 4 boys and the only one remaining from his immediate family. In addition to his wife, Penelope Coale Burtless, he is survived by his son David Alan Burtless (Lara) of Chandler, Arizona; his daughter Samantha Lou Burtless Montini (Marc) of Phoenix, Arizona; his three granddaughters: Olivia Mae Burtless, Amanda Grace Montini, and Isabella Dora Montini; his niece Beth Spangler (Bob), and nephew George Burtless (Dawn). Lou grew up on a farm in the Finger Lakes region of New York. In 1950 his family moved to Yuma, Arizona. Lou graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1959 and attended the University of Arizona majoring in electrical engineering. In 1967, as a journeyman electrician, he moved to Parker, Arizona, met and married his wife Penny, and, in early 1968, started his own business, Penny's Electric. His company served Parker, the Colorado River Indian Reservation, and Yuma from 1968 to 1983. In 1983 Lou was a kidney donor for his son David. At that time, he sought to work closer to home, teaching computer programming classes and working for the CAP Pumping Plant. In 1987 the family moved to Lake Havasu City, where Lou enjoyed being a member and officer of the Golden K Kiwanis and the Kiwanis Club. He was very proud of starting both the Key Club and Builder's Club at Telesis, serving several years as the Kiwanis Advisor for the Key Club. The family requests that donations in Lou's memory be made to Hospice of Havasu. We are especially thankful for their care, support, and compassion.