John Lewis

John Howard Lewis, 77, of Ocala, Florida passed peacefully at his farm in Ocala, Florida on February 24, 2023. Cowboy, artist, teacher, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Born on February 18, 1946 in Port Jervis, New York. John was raised in the Township of Greenville at his parents’ dairy farms. He graduated from Minisink Valley High School in 1964, earned his Associate in Science at Orange County Community College and his Bachelors in Art History from Eastern Kentucky University in 1968. He attended graduate classes at SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Oneonta. He taught Art in the State of New York and the State of Florida for a total of 34 years. John owned and operated Maple Lane Stables in the Township of Greenville, NY. He showed horses in both Western and English and earned many ribbons and trophies. In addition, John taught riding and art lessons. John and his wife bought property in Northwest Ocala, Florida in 1983. He was proud to have designed his half round shaped barn. It is one of the most unique barns in Ocala. John enjoyed farming, riding his Paint and Quarter horses, raising cattle, and attending every horse auction he could. John drew, painted, and sculpted in his spare time in his art studio. He had a lot of love for his Faith, family, and farm. He was a proud grandfather of five grandchildren. He was predeceased by parents, Howard Robert Lewis and Mabel Esther Gumaer Lewis, and his older sister Sarah Loretta Compton. John is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 44 years, Nancy Ellen Cism Lewis, his daughter Stacey Autumn Lewis Melancon and husband, Keith Eric Melancon, his son Ian Howard Lewis and wife, Erin Elisabeth Lewis, five beloved grandchildren: Kayne, Eric, Camryn, Avery, Wyatt, his “little sister,” Rosemary Ellen Lewis Marcolina and husband, Douglas Angelo Marcolina, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He will also be well remembered by many students and those who were inspired by his teaching and are still keeping his memory alive in their various Art careers. A Celebration of John’s Life was held with family at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens on March 2, 2023. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to: Hospice of Marion County, Inc., PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478-4860. His family wishes to thank Gloria and Mandy.