G "Bill" Lewis

Bill passed away on May 21, having lived well. He was always smiling through his long and courageous battle against diabetes. During the last precious moments of his life, Bill was surrounded by his loving and adoring family. A wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, Old Bill was loved by all those that knew him. Born in Joplin, Missouri, on August 1, 1941 to Gelder Vincent and May Margaret Malmfeldt. Bill wasnt afraid to chase the big dream and to go wherever it took him. At eighteen, he followed his adventure to Hawaii, where he lived for twenty years and started his family. He was a graduate of the University of Hawaii. Gelder was known as Glider when he was a fighter pilot in the Air National Guard in Honolulu, but was grounded when he developed diabetes. He fulfilled his need for speed collecting and racing historic cars. Bill was an entrepreneur. At times, he had construction companies in Hawaii and Utah, and an oil business in Texas. Bill chose to settle down in Farmington, Utah for over 30 years. He continued to pursue numerous ventures, but what fulfilled him most was being a father and grandfather. Bill was devoted to his daughter and three sons, and impressed upon them his values and sense of humor. Later, he met his eternal sweetheart, Mary Catherine. He was a loving father and influence for good to her four daughters. Bill was baptized and became a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Whatever was asked of him he always did with love, a touch of humor, and a big smile. His generosity and kindness were felt by all those who had the opportunity to know him. Bill was a High Priest, and served in numerous church callings, but was especially gifted in teaching the youth. They never tired of his stories, and he never tired of telling them. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine; Children from first marriage, Kelsey (Todd) Lewis, Jeffrey Gelder (Brooke) Lewis, Tyler (Mariah) Lewis, and Trace (Lisa) Lewis; and Mary Catherines children; Tracie (Aaron) Norton, Jennifer (Codye) Cunningham, Lindsay (Morgan) Mathie, and Elizabeth (Joshua) Horton. Bill is also survived by his thirteen grandchildren, who will miss their Papa Bill, sister Peg Hires, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Jim.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 27, at the Canyon View Ward 850 N. 300 W. (Compton Road) in Farmington, Utah at 1:00pm. There will be a viewing at Russon Brothers in Farmington, 1941 N. Main Street, on Thursday, May 26, from 6-8pm and from 11:30-12:45 prior to the services at the Church. Interment – Farmington City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Intermountain Medical Center for their caring service to Bill and our family. Thank you, Dr. Brent Muhlestein for all those miracles.

Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com

Please consider a donation in Bills name to a charity of your choice.