Lewis L. Bales

Lewis Loren Bales passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones on January 31, 2020 at the age of 73. He was born in Fairbury, Nebraska to Jean (Harris) and Lewis Dale Bales.

Lewie graduated from Fairbury High School in 1965, and he enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter. Lewie was humbly proud to serve our country as a Navy Seabee from February 1966 to November 1969. In that time, he served two tours in the Vietnam War.

Upon returning to Fairbury, Lewie was united in marriage to Caryn Dougherty and together they lovingly raised three children: Scott, Sharee and Samantha.

Lewie was a loyal employee at Roodes and PVI throughout his working career. In his free time Lewie enjoyed working on cars, hunting and woodworking. Later in life, he enjoyed watching western movies and completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Lewie always loved camping, fishing, skiing and boating, but spending time at the cabin with his family and friends was his passion.

He left behind many loved ones including his wife of 49 years, Caryn, son Scott (Lisa) of David City, Nebraska, daughters Sharee (Ross) Young of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Samantha (Chad) Deloske of Gretna, Nebraska, grandchildren: Coy, Kate, Ellie, Merritt, Alexandra, Henry and Benjamin, brother Ron (Linda), father-in-law Paul Dougherty, step-mother Dodie Bales, step-sisters Diane (Norman) Lalumandier, and Carla Jo Vance, and many other family and friends.

Lewie was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Jean Bales, his brother Buddy, his mother-in-law DeLores Dougherty, and his brother-in-law Rodney Dougherty.

Services will be Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. A Rosary will be held Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the Funeral Home with the family greeting friends from 5-7. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com