Hugh Lewis

Hugh Lewis, age 92, of Middleton died on February 20, 2010 at the HospiceCare Center with his family present. He was the son of Richard and Jessie (Graf) Lewis. He attended Emerson Elementary School, East High School and the University of Wisconsin prior to entering the USAAF as an Aviation Cadet in 1942. As a navigator assigned to the 80th Troop Carrier Squadron, 436th Troop Carrier Group, Ninth Air Force, he flew 27 combat missions in the European and Mediterranean theaters during World War II including the airborne invasions of Normandy, Southern France, Holland, and the Rhine Crossing in addition to the combat re-supply of Bastogne. After the war he retained his commission and served in the Air Force Reserve until retiring in 1971 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1946 he began a very satisfying and rewarding career as an insurance underwriter with American Family Insurance in Madison retiring in 1986. After his retirement Hugh had more time to engage in favorite pastimes including reading, photography, boat building, computers, and home remodeling while also doing volunteer work for his church and his squadron association. While active, Hugh enjoyed basketball, baseball, bowling, tennis, running, and golf. He is survived by his wife Gladys; two sons and their wives, Steven and Ellen of Madison and Robert and Margaret of Middleton; two grandchildren, Amy Lewis Levy and her husband Jeffrey of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Andrew of Madison; numerous nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Michael and Carolyn Patt. Hugh was a devoted and loving husband and father who will be remembered by his family for his thoughtfulness, kindness, wise counsel, personal integrity, ready humor, optimism, and amazing handyman abilities. He will be greatly missed. A private Celebration of Life will be held with immediate family. Memorials may be given to the Nature Conservancy, Middleton Friends of Pheasant Branch or the American Red Cross.