Paul Alan Lewis passed peacefully from this life, from complications of late stage Dementia at the young age of 77 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Betty Lewis, son Paul Lewis, Jr. (Bonnie), daughter Christine Lawson (Damian), step-daughter Kim Ribeira, grandchildren Patrick, Sean, and Sarah Lawson, and two great grandchildren, Sophie and Scarlett.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Paul Harrison Lewis and Lee Lewis, sister Juanita Sill and husband Roger, and step-son Matt Ude.

A lifelong resident of Oakdale, he graduated from Oakdale High School and followed in his father’s footsteps joining the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam. He proudly served aboard the USS Constellation and the USS America. After leaving the Navy, he returned to Oakdale to raise his young family and attended Modesto Junior College earning his degree in Criminal Justice. He started with the Sheriff’s Department in Stanislaus County and retired from his career as Director of Animal Services in San Joaquin County.

In 1991 he and friend Glenn Hoffman wanted to honor their friend and Oakdale classmate William A. Fish, who was the first casualty from Oakdale to lose his life in Vietnam. With help from the VFW Post 2922 and Oakdale Mayor Pat Paul, they established the William A. Fish Veterans Park and Veterans Memorial to honor all Veterans, Past, Present and Future. A proud veteran, Paul organized and led the Veterans Day program at the Fish Park Memorial for many years. He was active with the VFW Post 2922 in Oakdale and VFW Post 9454 in Coulterville.

We will all miss him dearly. A graveside memorial service is planned for Thursday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m. at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson. A light reception to follow service.

Remembrances may be made to the Community Hospice Alexander Cohen Hospice House or to the ASTRO Foundation in Oakdale.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

July 23, 2025