Master Sergeant Robert Lewis, Sr., United States Army

Robert Lewis was born September 8, 1964 in Anahuac, Texas and passed away March 5, 2011, at the age of 46.

Robert enlisted in the United States Army on January 8, 1985 and was on active duty at the time of his death. His first assignment was as a Tank Armor Crewman. His duty assignments included Germany, Korea, Kuwait, and three deployment tours in Iraq.

His many military decorations and awards include the Bronze Star Medal, multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal, and eight Good Conduct Medals. He was awarded the Ordnance of Samuel Sharpe and was a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

He was a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a B.A. degree in Business Administration.

Funeral Services were held on March 14 at Greater Vision Community Church in Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends. At the conclusion of the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.

An Army Honor Guard moved the casket from the hearse to the committal shelter. The Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter as final prayers were said and military honors were rendered.

The final prayers included:

“Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother here departed, we therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself.”

The seven rifle detail fired three rounds of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The Honor Guard carefully folded the American flag that draped the casket into a tight triangle. The flag was then passed to an Army Non-Commissioned Officer who presented it to Robert’s beloved wife, Verdell, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, as thanks for Robert’s many years of service to his country.

Folded flags were also presented to each of his five children.

Master Sergeant Robert Wayne Lewis was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his children, three brothers, two sisters, a host of other relatives and friends and his extended military family.