Lewis C. Sopris, 91, of The Baptist Home of Rhinebeck, formerly of Catskill, died April 7, 2013 at Northern Dutchess Hospital.
Born in Athens, NY, he was a son of the late Richard & Elsie Brandow Sopris. He was a WWII veteran, having served in the US Army in the South Pacific Theater. After the war, he continued his service to his country by serving in the National Guard and was the company commander of the 134th Armored Medical Battalion, 27th Division in Catskill. Lewis, along with his wife Erma owned TwinCo. on Main St. in Catskill. His community service encompassed Boy Scout Leader of Troop 40 in Athens, member of two fire companies, one in Athens and one in Catskill, member of a bible study group, and a member of the American Legion Post 110 for over 50 years having served as commander in 1990 and 1991. Lew was mechanically inclined and was always interested in "fixing" things.
He was avid reader, storyteller, gardener, enjoyed fishing and admired Abraham Lincoln. Lew was a patient gentleman who never burdened others unnecessarily. His church life included membership in The Presbyterian Church, the First Reformed Church and the Grapeville Baptist Church.
He is survived by two children from his previous marriage to Betty VanKuren Sopris, Helen Houdek and her husband Hal of Youngsville, NC, Gwen Barnhart and her husband John of Cedar Crest, NM, and two stepchildren, Patricia Baker and her husband David of Kingston and Alfred (Skip) Hallenbeck of Catlett, VA. He is also survived by14 grandchildren, Kent, Adam, Philip and Amanda Sopris, Erick Schlenker and his wife Lynn, Diane Duffy and her husband Rich, Melissa Schlenker and her spouse Shannon, Heather Reddout and her spouse Derik, Heidi Oona, Elizabeth Ginder, Lori Baker, Sheryl Delano, Kevin Baker and his spouse Dawn, Eric Baker and his spouse Michele. 15 great grandchildren survive as well as nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Lew was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Erma Miller Sopris, a son, Thomas Sopris, three brothers, Charles, Richard Jr., Francis and a sister Edith Sopris.
A memorial service will be held on April 30, 2013 at the First Reformed Church of Catskill, 310 Main St. Catskill at 2:00 PM, with Reverends Joanna & David Tipple officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Athens.