Dwayne Kimble Lewis

Dwayne K. "Skip" Lewis, 75, of Palm Desert, Calif., passed away peacefully with family and friends at his bedside on February 14, 2016. He was born in Luling, Tex. on January 6, 1941 to James Kimble "Mutt" Lewis and Viola Mae Lewis. In 1960, at age 19, Skip became the step-son of Billie Jean Allbritton Cockrill Lewis, and older brother to four younger siblings (Mike, Susan, Cindy, and Mark). At this time, he was attending Texas A&M University in Kingsville, Tex., with a focus on Electrical Engineering. It was here that he met the love of his life, Annette Young. Skip's education was followed by his commitment to the Marine Corp from 1964 to 1968, where he earned an honorable discharge rank of Sergeant. Additional honors during his service include Rifleman Marksman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Upon Skip's return from Vietnam and completion of his service duties, he and Annette were married in Saratoga, Calif., on June 21, 1969. Skip and Annette celebrated 46 years of marriage. Skip and Annette retired to Palm Desert where he enjoyed new found hobbies, met many new friends and experienced adventurous travels. Skip particularly enjoyed painting (both oil and water), helping others with their computers (especially Apple) and solving the mysteries of his genealogy. Skip was predeceased by his sister, mother, father and step-mother. Skip is survived by his wife, Annette; step-brother, Mike (Nadine) Cockrill of Victoria, Tex.; step-sister, Susan Mertz (Bruce) of Victoria, Tex.; step-sister, Cindy Smith of Alvin, Tex.; and step-brother, Mark (Cindi) Cockrill of Austin, Tex.; and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, his children Kelley (Rob) Gustafson and Papa to Hannah and Adam of Henderson, Nev., also Fred (Amy) Dillemuth and Papa to Katherine, Annika & Thomas of Sahaurita, Ariz. Service will be held at Forest Lawn in Cathedral City on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 3:00 pm. Interment will be in Clute, Tex. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to have donations made to Coachella Valley Rescue Mission in Indio or to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Palm Desert, Calif care of the Dwayne Lewis Memorial Fund.