Robert J. Lewis Sr.

Robert James Lewis, Sr., 88, of Fargo, ND, died Sunday, November 4, 2012, at Sanford Palliative Care Center in Fargo. He was surrounded by those who loved him and all those who were there in spirit.

Bob was born March 25, 1924, in Faith, SD, to William M. and Elizabeth (Matter) Lewis. He was raised by his mother and aunt and grew up and attended schools at Faith and Mobridge, SD. He enlisted in the US Army on March 23, 1943, and was at Normandy Beach on D-Day. Bob received the Purple Heart and several other medals during his service. He was discharged as a sergeant on December 24, 1945.

Bob married Jaclyn Brander and they had three children, Mike, Danny, and Karyn. After his discharge, he began his career in the trucking business with Buckingham Transportation in Rapid City, SD. In 1956, he was transferred into management and moved to Jamestown, ND, with Buckingham Transportation. While living there, he met Mary Walz Liberda and they married on July 1, 1960. Mary had two children, Ed and Louise. Later that year, they moved to Fargo. Bob and Mary had two children together, Bob Jr. and Beth. This created a large “yours, mine and ours” family, which they so proudly raised. In 1963, they purchased Grandadam Truck Line in Lisbon, ND, and renamed it Lewis Truck Lines, Inc. Bob was active in the business until its closing in December of 2006. His wife Mary died October 21, 2001.

Bob remained active in both community and trucking organizations. He was named ND Motor Carriers Pioneer Carrier of the Year and ND Small Business Man of the Year. He was also an active member of his church.

Bob loved sports, including the NY Yankees, NDSU Bison, and the MN Vikings. He enjoyed spending time at his lake cabin on Lake Lizzie and spending time with his grandchildren in all of their activities, helping shape them into being the best people they can be. Bob was a man who touched everyone he met with his spirit, energy, humor, and depth of love. His legacy of inspiring others to be a better person will be carried out by many.

Bob is survived by his children, Mike Lewis of South Lake Tahoe, CA, Karyn (Bob) Fulton of Hugo, MN, Bob (Lhonda) Lewis, Jr. of Fargo, ND, Beth (Todd) Mairs of Fargo, ND, Ed (Nancy) Liberda of Fargo, ND, and Louise Johnson of Sharon, ND; sisters Harriet Yun of Yankton, SD, and Reva Pierce of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren Michael, Robert, Danielle, Dominic, Elizabeth, Christopher, Lauren, Jaye, Noelle, Alyssa, Zander, and Jaden, and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, son Danny Lewis, grandchild Christian, son-in-law Earl, and daughter-in-law Maureen.

Robert's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm