Tommy (Tom) Lewis, 81, of Idaho Falls, Idaho passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, following a courageous battle against cancer.

Tom was born on March 29, 1941, on the family farm in Bamberg, SC to parents Retha and Ernest Lewis.  He grew up in the Bamberg area, graduating from Bamberg High School in 1959.  After graduation, Tom enlisted in the US Navy and served aboard three submarines during his six-year enlistment. He met the love of his life, Janet Susan Peterson, during his time in the Navy. They were married in 1963.  They were blessed with two daughters: Suzanne (Suzi) Carole in 1964 and Christine Michele (Christi) in 1971. He graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Business Administration in 1971 and worked for many years in the Technology/Semiconductor industry.  Tom and Janet returned to Janet's hometown of Idaho Falls in 1994 to open a children's clothing store called Once Upon a Child.  They operated the store for nearly twenty years, cultivating countless sweet relationships with their employees and customers alike.

Tom (aka "Handsome Papa") loved his entire family in a huge way. He always looked forward to any occasion to bring his people together—from family dinners to family reunions.  Tom loved gardening, walking/hiking, road trips and travel, great wine, and boiling-hot coffee. Known for his infectious smile and great sense of humor, his greatest shared wisdom was "if you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough!"

Tom is survived by his bride of nearly fifty-nine years, Janet; daughters: Suzi (Kevin) Conway, Christi (Chris) Speights; grandchildren: Hunter, Garrett, and Shelbi Conway; Jacob (Caroline) and Ethan Speights; siblings: Doris Irick, Dan (Linda) Lewis, Louise (Mason) Hughes, Jerry (Glenda) Lewis, Elsie (Ozzie) Fogle, and James (Carol) Lewis; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Retha and Ernest Lewis; siblings: Rufus (Angie) Lewis, Bob (Bobbie) Lewis, Carl (Barbara) Lewis, and Johnny Belle (Ernest) Rodrigue; and brother-in-law, Elton "Nook" Irick.

Tom's life will be well-celebrated at the family farm at a later date. Cremation is under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls.

He will be missed more than we can ever put into words.