US Army Colonel (retired) Kenneth Earl Lewis, 85, of Fayetteville passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2014, in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 12 noon in Jernigan Warren Chapel with Retired US Army Chaplain Frank Daniels presiding. The entombment will follow at LaFayette Memorial Park Mausoleum with Military Honors and Masonic Rites. Kenneth was born in Horry County, South Carolina on September 26, 1928 to the late Bascom and Lucy Lewis. He graduated from Clemson University ROTC and entered the US Army as 2nd Lt. While serving, Kenneth attended Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His overseas service included Republic of Germany, Korea, Panama Canal Zone, and Vietnam. He retired in 1979 as Colonel, US Army, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, NC. He had served in 8th Special Forces Group; Quartermaster Officer; Rigger and currently is recognized in Rigger Hall of Fame in Ft. Lee, VA; and was a paratrooper in XVIII Airborne Corps. He received numerous awards and commendations which include the Soldier's Medal (highest peacetime award for bravery) for saving the life of a fellow paratrooper during an airborne operation; Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. Kenneth also worked with civil service from May 1981 - April 1993. He was preceded in death by parents, brother, Billy Lewis and sister, Sara Jones. Kenneth is survived by his wife of 61 years Thelma Lewis, son, Dr. Kenneth Lewis and wife Sharon; 3 grandchildren, Dr. Allison Lewis Davis and husband Joey, Dr. Kenly Lewis, and Chip Lewis. He is also survived by brothers Donald Lewis and Pat Lewis. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday, from 10:30 to 12 noon at Jernigan Warren. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303. Visitation: 10:30-12 Noon Saturday January 11, 2014 at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home Funeral: 12 Noon Saturday January 11, 2014 at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home Entombment to follow at Lafayette Memorial Park on Ramsey St. with full Military Honors and Masonic Rights