Henry Francis Lewis, Jr., 71, of Watervliet, Michigan, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026. He was born July 19, 1954, in Holland, the son of Henry Sr. and Rositta (Lawrence) Lewis.
Henry proudly served in the U.S. Army for eight years and received an honorable discharge. He also served the Michigan Rehabilitation Services for 27 years, and worked at the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Michigan School for the Blind.
Henry was an active and proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the American Legion, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He loved to shoot pool and go camping, fishing, bowling, and driving on back roads. Henry found much joy in hosting gatherings, cooking, and building random projects.
Henry could always be heard laughing, and he always made friends and family laugh. He was sometimes known as a flirt, and his sense of humor was one-of-a-kind. He also loved a good bonfire, watching wrestling, and loved his two cats.
Henry is survived by: his daughter, Andrea Gaston; grandchildren, Adara Gaston, Aiden Gaston, and Avree Gaston; great-grandchildren, James Schmalfeldt III and Ebony Schmalfeldt; siblings, Willie Lewis, Ronnie Craton, Shelia Craton, Judy Welch, Patty Lewis, Rodney Lewis, Torreanno Lewis, Julia Lewis, Anita Lewis, Steven McKinnon, Mark McKinnon, Brian McKinnon, Evelyn Kendrick, Rosa Whitfield, and Reuben Lewis; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Henry was preceded in death by: his wife, Pauline Lewis; mother, Rositta Lawrence; father, Henry Lewis, Sr.; stepmother, Marcella Lewis; and sister, Leona Lewis.
Memorial services will be conducted at noon, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420. The family will receive friends Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the St. Joseph Indian Cemetery in Elbridge Township, followed by a luncheon at the Golden Eatery, 5689 W. Fox Rd., Mears, MI 49436.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Henry’s honor to the Coloma American Legion Post #362, 6505 Red Arrow Hwy, Coloma, MI 49038.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com
