Mark LewisDec. 17, 1925 - Oct. 30, 2016Hot Springs, ArkansasMark Edwin Lewis passed from this life on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at a local hospital after a brief illness.He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marie Gresham Lewis, sons John Mark Lewis and Matt Lewis, both of Hot Springs, his brother Albert Lewis of Grand Junction, CO, grandsons Mark Ryan Lewis and Connor Landon Lewis of Hot Springs, grandchildren Patrick Graves and Lauren Graves and their mother Cheryl Lewis.One of 18 children, he was born on December 17, 1925 in Cedar Branch, Arkansas to Arch Ray and Lara Rachel Lewis, but after the death of both of his parents spent his adolescent years with whichever of his older siblings was able to house him. He joined the US Marine Corps in 1944 and finished high school at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. He was a scout/sniper and JASCO member in the 1st Marine Division and served with them at the invasions of Peleliu and Okinawa, and in the occupation of postwar China. After the war, he pursued higher education, and earned his doctoral degree in education from Stanford University in 1963. He served many years as a school administrator in Fallon, NV, Salinas, CA, Benton Harbor, MI, and retired as Superintendent of Schools in Santa Cruz, CA. He and his wife Marie relocated to Hot Springs in the early 80's and owned and operated Gresham's, a specialty business dealing in home interiors.Mark Lewis' life and accomplishments are a sterling example of what can be achieved with focused determination, sheer force of will, and teamwork and common goals with his wife and partner. He frequently stated that he would never have been able to complete his education without the partnership of his wife Marie. His life was rich and full, and he left this life with few regrets and no enemies. His grandchildren brought him great pleasure, and he spent much happy time with them.Visitation will be Wednesday 6 to 8 PM, at Robinson's.Services will be 10 AM, Thursday, November 3, 2016, Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Reverend Rusty Womble officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Branch Cemetery. Online register at www.ralphrobinsonandson.comRalph Robinson & Son807 Cherry StreetPine Bluff, AR 71601870-534-3131 View the online memorial for Mark Lewis