W. Clayton Lewis

W. Clayton Lewis, age 89, passed away on May 11, 2026, following an extended illness, surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born November 21, 1936, in Clinton County, Kentucky, to Willie R. and Bertie (Cash) Lewis. At the age of seven, Clayton moved with his family to the New Castle area. He graduated from Kennard High School in 1956, where he served as Class President and Salutatorian.

Following his graduation from the Keystone School of Real Estate in 1961, Clayton founded Lewis Realty. He served as Broker/Owner for 59 years, building a respected career in the real estate community. He was a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Indiana Association of Realtors, the Mid-Eastern Indiana Association of Realtors, and the Henry County Association of Realtors.

Clayton proudly served his country for six years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was also employed by Dana Corporation, retiring in 1989 after 31 years of dedicated service.

On June 23, 1962, Clayton married Virginia A. (Ford) at Greensboro Church of the Nazarene. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. In 1968, Virginia earned her real estate license and joined Clayton in the business. They worked side by side from their home-based office for 46 years, forming both a successful partnership and a lasting legacy.

A devoted member of New Castle First Church of the Nazarene, Clayton served faithfully on the church board and taught the Pure in Heart Sunday School class for more than 24 years. In recognition of his commitment and service, he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award.

Clayton also served the Indianapolis District Church of the Nazarene as District Advisory Board Secretary for 34 years. He was a member of the Board of Trustees at Olivet Nazarene University for 30 years and served on the General Board for the global Church of the Nazarene, in addition to many other boards and committees. He received distinguished service recognition for his contributions at both the district and global levels.

He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia A. (Ford) Lewis; his son, Jonathan C. Lewis (Julia) of Indianapolis; and two granddaughters, Grace Lewis of Fort Wayne and Maggie Lewis of Indianapolis. He is also survived by one brother, Howard Lewis (Lelia) of Hagerstown, Indiana; two sisters, W.J. Howe of Hagerstown, Indiana, and Karen Hamilton (Tim) of New Castle; sisters-in-law Phillis Lewis of Sioux City, Iowa, and Martha Jane Thornburg (Mark E.) of Appleton, Wisconsin; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Clayton was preceded in death by two brothers, Crandel Lewis and James G. Lewis; three sisters and their husbands, Deloris Snyder (Donald), Irene Fairchild (Wallace), and Wanda Lee (Ronnie); one brother-in-law, Robert Howe; his father-in-law, William C. Ford; his mother-in-law, Jeannette (Thurman) Ford Robinson; and his stepfather-in-law, Randy Robinson.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026 at New Castle First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Jimmy Southerland officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, 1727 Grand Avenue, New Castle, Indiana 47362. You may express condolences or share a memory of Clayton at www.hinsey-brown.com.