Claude Edward Lewis, 87, of Salem, passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2016.

He was a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Korean Conflict. He also loved serving others though various acts of kindness while having no expectation of even a thank you in return.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Eudie and Mable Lewis; and brother, Earl Lewis.

His surviving family includes his daughters, Claudia Heldreth and husband, Mike, Karen Lewis, and Carol Newman and husband, Michael; sisters, Aileen Schaller and Louise Craft; granddaughter, Miranda Newman; sweetheart and best friend of over 37 years, Iris (Spud) Smith; Iris’s children, Debbie Struppler, Rob Struppler, Jarod Struppler, and Adam Struppler; guardian angel, Pat Gregory; and granddog, DiDi.

The family extends a sincere thanks to Dr. Joni Goldwasser and Dr. Mamta Sapra at the VA Medical Center as well as Lewis-Gale Medical Center’s ICU and 6th floor staff for their kindness and compassionate care.

A period of visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A graveside service with military funeral honors will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke with Pastor Steve Hale officiating.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.