Lewis Ward Bleeks, 89, was called to heaven on Saturday (September 7, 2024) at Cuba Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Bleeks was born on September 5, 1935 in Friendship to James “Jake” and Lucille (Pierce) Bleeks. On November 15, 1957 he married Irene Joyce Hinman who predeceased him on October 15, 1996. Later he married Virginia Rauber on January 2, 2000. Virginia predeceased him on April 8, 2015.
Lewis primarily spent his vocational career as a truck driver. He spent a number of years driving a milk truck, then worked for Hornell Waste in Hornell.
Lewis is survived by three children, Teresa (Timothy) Goodier of Franklinville, Phyllis (Paul) Bessey of Friendship and Robert (Susan) Bleeks of Hume; a sister, Lois Freemont of Shreveport, La.; four grandchildren, Melissa Goodier, Timothy Goodier, Jr., Jesse Bleeks, and Karisa Bleeks; five great grandchildren, Henry Bleeks, Lottie Bleeks, Damon Baker, Devin Baker and Tyler Laughter; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his two wives, Lewis was predeceased by an infant sister, Nellie Bleeks, and two other siblings, Marion Hinman and Robert Bleeks.
Lewis was a deacon and long-time member of Friendship Bible Baptist Church. In his leisure time, he and his wife played in a bowling league together. Lewis was a hard worker and was happiest when he was behind the wheel of a truck.
As well as being a man of faith, Lewis helped to create a good homelife for his children. He was a loving father and grandfather.
There will be a time of visitation at Friendship Bible Baptist Church on Wednesday (September 11) from 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday (September 12) from 11-12 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Duane Broadwell officiating. Burial will take place on September 21, 2024 at Black Creek Cemetery where his ashes will be laid to rest beside his wife Irene.
Arrangements are under the direction of Treusdell Funeral Home in Friendship.
