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CANFIELD -- John R. Lewis, 87, passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 10, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.
He was born June 26, 1939, in Salem, the son of John J. and Elizabeth M. Reese Lewis.
John was a 1957 graduate of Salem High School and he attended the University of Cincinnati. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a sergeant in the Army Security Agency from 1959 to 1961 in Japan and Korea.
After returning from the service, John attended Youngstown State University and the University of Wisconsin School of Banking, from which he graduated. He married the former Nancy E. Kimmel on Sept. 9, 1967; together they shared almost 47 years of marriage and many happy memories. She preceded him in death on July 18, 2014.
John retired in 2000 as senior vice president and branch administrator for Mahoning National Bancorp, Inc. following 35 years of service. He held many positions within the bank, including branch regional manager and branch manager of the North Lima, Struthers-Poland, Boardman and Cortland locations. He also oversaw the installation of their ATM machines and network, along with the construction of new branches in Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and Struthers.
After retiring from the bank, he worked as a consultant for several years for BankEquipment Company of Sharon, Pa. John was active in raising funds for the United Appeal and Red Cross. He was a past member of the Youngstown Club, past member and former president of the Boardman Rotary Club, 1982 to 1983, and recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was also active with the Canfield Baseball Club for several years as a coach and manager. After retirement, he took up genealogy as a hobby along with his wife, Nancy, and they belonged to the Mahoning Valley and Ohio Historical Societies, spending many hours and miles tracing the family's ancestors throughout Germany, Scotland, Wales, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
John is survived by his son, Robert J. (Nichole) Lewis of Poland. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Evan Michael Lewis and Kara Elizabeth Lewis.
Besides his wife, John was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, at the Lane Funeral Home-Canfield Chapel, 65 N. Broad St., Canfield.
Friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at the funeral home.
John will be laid to rest, next to his beloved wife, in the Grandview Cemetery in Salem.
In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made to the Salem High School Alumni Association, 330 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460, in John's memory.
This obituary may be viewed, and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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