Clyde H Lewis

Plattsburgh Mr. Clyde A. Lewis, 95, of New Hampshire Street, Plattsburgh died Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at the CVPH Medical Center. He was born in Hoquiam, Washington on June 20, 1913 the son of J. D. Clyde and Loretta (Adelspurger) Lewis. Clyde attended Hoquiam, WA public and parochial schools graduating from South Bend WA High School, Class of 1929. He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, A.B. Class of 1934 and was Head Manager of Football in 1933. Clyde was a graduate of Harvard Law School, J.D Class of 1939. During WWII he enlisted as a private in the United State Army Air Corps and was appointed an aviation cadet. He earned his wings and was commissioned in March 1943. Clyde served 2 tours less 2 missions with the 401st Bombardment Group (H) 8th Air Force. He served successively as flight commander, operations officer and B-17 squadron commander. Clyde separated as major in September 1945 and ceased flying in 1972 after having logged over 10,500 pilot hours. His decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Unit citation with 1 oak leaf cluster, Croix de Guerre (France) with palm and ETO campaign medal with 6 battle stars. Clyde was a member of Lewis & Rogers P.C. and predecessor law firms since 1940. He was admitted to practice in the State of New York in 1940 and the Supreme Court of the United States in 1959. Clyde was a member of the Clinton County, New York State and American Bar Associations. He was past president of the Clinton County Bar Association and he was Town Attorney for the Town of Plattsburgh from 1966-1997, retiring December 31, 2002. Clyde was a Life Member of the Plattsburgh VFW Post#125 and the American Legion Post #20. He was the first World War II veteran to head one of the two large veterans organizations. Clyde was elected commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (1949) after having served as senior and junior vice commander-in-chief. He was a member of the National Legislative Committee. Since 1950 he has served continuously on VFW national and national convention committees as chairman, vice chairman or member (National Budget and Finance, Finance and Internal Affairs. National Legislative, National Security and VFW Employees' Retirement Board). Clyde served as chairman of New York and co-chairman National Veterans for Dewey and Veterans for Eisenhower. Invested in American Association of Sovereign Military Order of Malta, 1971. In 1995, he received the "Pro Ecclesia and Pontifice: Medal from Pope John Paul II in recognition of his outstanding service to the Church and through the Church to the Holy Father. In 2000, Clyde received the Bishop Edgar P. Wadhams Award for Distinguished Service to the Diocese of Ogdensburg from Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito. He was honored by the Men and Women of the 8th Air Force-January 1978 as "Our American Patriot". Clyde was active in industrial development for many years, member of the board of directors and counsel to the Clinton County Area Development Corp. and counsel to the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency. He was honored in 1948 as Outstanding Young Man of the Year by New York State Junior Chamber of Commerce. Chairman, Plattsburgh Air Base Liasion Commission (1952-1959) and Chairman, Plattsburgh Air Base Liaison Committee, 1959-1995. Honorary Wing Commander, 380th Bombardment Wing (SAC)/380th Air Refueling Wing (AMC 1971-1995. Appointed Honorary Commander SAC, AMC, 8AF, and 21AF. Clyde was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #13127, Bishop Wadhams Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Plattsburgh Lodge No. 621 where he was Past Exalted Ruler and Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. He was a participant in the Department of Defense Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, 1978; participant National Security Forum, Air War College, 1975. In 1985 he was named "Irishman of the Year" and in the same year, he received the U. S. Air Force Exceptional Service Award. In 1991 was awarded the Plattsburgh State University of New York Presidential Award of Honor. Clyde was a member of the U.S. Strategic Institute and Defense Orientation Conference Association. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International and has a biography in "Who's Who in America" and "Who's Who in the World. He married Helen M. Judge on September 22, 1936. Clyde was predeceased by his parents, J. D. Clyde and Loretta Lewis, his first wife Helen (Judge) Lewis, who died September 7, 1985, a sister, Pat (Lewis) Staben, two brothers; Joseph Lewis and Delbert Lewis. Clyde is survived by his wife Patricia (Davis) Lewis of Plattsburgh. They were married October 1, 1988. He is also survived by two sons; Rev. Clyde A. Lewis of the Diocese of Ogdensburg (Pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Rouses Point and St. Joseph's Church in Coopersville) and John E. Lewis retired teacher and his wife Judith of Wappingers Falls, NY, two grandchildren; David Lewis and Anne Marie Nicholls three great grandchildren; Alison and Helen Nicholls and Travis Wilmot, four stepchildren; Peter Judge and his wife Allison of Williston, VT, Anthony Judge and his wife Barbara of Yonkers, NY, Maria Judge of Troy, NY, Mark Judge and his wife Margaret of Essex, VT; eleven step grand children; Hadley, Alexander, William, Sam, Anna, Thomas, David, John, Lindsey, Courtney and Michael Judge, a brother; Paul Lewis and his wife Helen of Oregon, several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 9, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church. Interment with full military honors will be Monday February 9, 2009 at St. Augustine's Cemetery in Peru, NY at 3:00 p.m. Donations in Clyde's memory may be made to Bishop's Heritage Circle, P. O. Box 369, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or the American Lung Association of New York, 155 Washington Ave., Suite 210, Albany, NY 12210. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com