Obituary of Thomas Jefferson Lewman Lt. Col U.S. Army ret.

Together we say farewell to a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated soldier. Thomas Lewman passed away at his Scotts Valley home following lengthy battles with cancer; he was 77 years old. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Lewman Jr. was born in Charleston, Kentucky in August 1941. He attended Millersburg Military Academy, where he was a distinguished Military Graduate and was later commissioned into the Army in August 1964. While in the Army, Lewman completed the demanding Ranger Course, Airborne Course, Special Forces Officer’s course, and became fully qualified as a Green Beret, where he was assigned to the 5^th Special Forces Group in Vietnam.

While in Vietnam, Lewman served two tours where he was awarded the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal, five Air Medals, a Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnamese Special Forces Jump Wings and numerous Vietnamese Gallantry and Civil Action Medals. In addition to his combat medals, Lewman was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with OLC, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Silver Award, Senior Army Aviator Wings, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab and Airborne Wings. 

After Vietnam, Lewman continued his military advancements as he participated in the AH-1 Fully Modernized Cobra Transition at Fort Rucker, Alabama. This led him to Hannu, Germany where he commanded the 503D Combat Aviation Battalion. 

After serving over 20 years in the Army, Lewman maintained his affiliation with the military by working with BDM Corporation in training and research. He later transitioned to Northrop Grumman where he completed his working career. 

Added to his many accomplishments, Lewman was an avid mountain climber and weightlifter. In addition, he had a lifelong passion for furniture building, restoration and was a master wood worker. This passion led him to open up Ivy’s Porch on Scott’s Valley Dr., which he owned and operated with his daughter for many years. 

Thomas J. Lewman Jr. is survived by his wife Diane Lewman, six children, ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a beloved sister. Private committal with full military honors will take place on October 11^th, 2018 at the California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery in Seaside, California.  There will be a celebration of life to follow at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, any kind acts of charity can be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society.

 

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