Kevin Earl Lewis

   Kevin Earl Lewis, 62, passed away in the comfort of his home on Friday morning, April 19.

   Kevin was born in Richmond, Indiana on March 7, 1962. He graduated from Northeastern High School in 1980. While at NHS, Kevin’s leadership traits shined in all directions. He served as Student Body President for 2 years and was instrumental in the formation of the first squad of male cheerleaders. Kevin was also a multi-sport athlete who excelled in football and track. After 44 years, his school record for the 880 yd. run still stands. 

   Kevin earned a Bachelors Degree from Hanover College, graduating in 1984. While at Hanover, Kevin played football and ran track. He was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Kevin continued to serve Hanover College as a member of the Alumni Board of Directors. 

   Kevin enjoyed a 30-year career as an IHSAA official. He umpired girls softball, boys baseball, football, girls basketball and boys basketball on high school campuses all over Indiana. He was proud to have been selected to officiate IHSAA State Finals contests in girls basketball and football. On March 18 of this year, the Indiana Officials Association, of which Kevin served as a board member and president, graciously honored Kevin as their 2023-24 Official of the Year, in recognition of his “outstanding officiating, unquestioned character and dedicated leadership”. On April 6, 2024, Kevin made one more trip to Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the boys basketball state finals. This time, it was to receive the IHSAA Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes “individuals who go above-and-beyond to make significant meritorious contribution or service to education-based high school athletics in the state of Indiana”.

   As a proud Northeastern Knight, Hanover Panther, IHSAA official or in any of many other capacities, Kevin’s own best efforts were one way that he would nurture and encourage everyone he came in contact with. He always made others feel special, whether he was making calls daily to wish a friend a “Happy Birthday” or taking a knee at a ball game to thank the kid that had just handed him some water.

   Kevin was a diehard fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Reds. He made Opening Day in Cincinnati an annual event until some setbacks prevented him from attending this year. Undeterred, Kevin watched the game from a hospital room with his longtime friend and game attendee, Rick Ross, who brought in equipment to make it all possible.

   Even if it wasn’t the Cowboys or Reds, Kevin wouldn’t turn down a ticket to attend a sporting event.

   Kevin enjoyed traveling, whether on a vacation with his wife, Missy, or hooking up with old friends for some golf. He was always up for a good cigar and a trip to a casino or horse track.   

   Kevin will be missed by his wife, Melissa A. Williams; the kids in his life, step-daughter Brooke Goffinet; step-sons Blake Goffinet and wife, Stephanie and their son, Thayer; Bailey Goffinet and Andrew Strohmeyer; sister, Krista Kay Lewis; half-sister, Kim Wright White and husband, Ron; brothers, Kent Lewis and Lawrence Evan Lewis and wife, Shelby; nieces & nephews, Sandra Dearlove, Falicity Lewis, Bladen Lewis, Ethan Lewis, Kylieann Lewis, Kellee Watts and husband, Dion; great-nieces, Dionna Watts and Kimia Watts; cousins, Cheryl Thomas, Shari Petersime, Lindsay Mockley and Ronald Lewis; mother-in-law, Joyce Williams; sisters-in-law, Dee Dee Scott & husband, John, Wendy Carlson & husband, Charlie; and his trusted canine companions, Dallas, Mila and Lilly.

   Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Harry E. Lewis, Jr. and Kay Olivia Bronston Lewis; his biological father, Thomas (Tiny) Wright, Sr.; half-brother, Thomas (Tommy) Wright, Jr.; and his first black Lab, Sam.

   Family and friends are invited for a memorial visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, in the Northeastern High School Gymnasium, 7295 US 27, Fountain City.

   After visitation, a Celebration of Kevin’s life will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the NHS Gym.

   Following the Celebration at NHS, and in classic Kevin Earl keep-it-going fashion, there will be a second Celebration in his honor from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at The Atrium, 3143 Thompson Road, Indianapolis. 

   It was one of Kevin’s last requests that, in lieu of flowers, any memorial gifts take the form of donations to a scholarship fund in his memory, The Kevin Lewis Presidential Scholarship. Checks should be payable to the Indiana Officials Association with “Kevin Lewis Scholarship Fund” in the memo. Donors may mail them to the Indiana Officials Association, PO Box 247, Beech Grove, IN 46107.