John F. Lewis

John Francis Lewis, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.

John was born December 29, 1940, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Walter and Katharine (Burke) Lewis. He was a proud Army veteran, earning the distinctions of National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Devise 1960, Combat Infantryman Badge (1st Award) one O/S Bar, Sharpshooter (M14 & M150), Marksman (M16), Army Commendation Medal with V Devise, and a Bronze Star Medal. He was with the 2nd/22nd Meck Infantry 25th Division, Triple Deuce Unit.

John worked for the Des Moines Police Department from 1970 to 1996. He was a Senior Police Officer in the Crimes Against Persons Department, and retired as a Detective. He was also a part of the Tactical Squad and competed with the DMPD Pistol Team.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and John Wayne movies. He loved “Football Saturdays”, enjoying a bloody mary while cheering on Notre Dame and the Hawkeyes. John and his wife, Bridget created JB Kennels, where they raised and showed German Shorthairs. Together they won many awards. They named all of their dogs after characters from John Wayne movies.

John is survived by his sister, Margaret “Ann” Coffey and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Katharine Lewis; brother, Walter Lewis; wife, Bridget Lewis; and his beloved dog, Blaze.

John will be interred at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003 on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with military and police honors.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the DMPD Burial Association or to Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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Dave Brown

03/17/2023

"Back in the day" when I was a baby police officer I was afforded the opportunity to work with John several times while on the afternoon shift on patrol. Being in the fledgling stages of my career I soon learned that there was no one better to learn from than John.
John had a special -all most home spun way of dealing with people. He had a way of winning their confidence and respect. He also had a way of making it very clear to those he dealt with exactly who was in charge. He was not about to take any guff from anybody.
John was proud of his military service to the country. And he was equally proud of his dedicated career to this community. The citizens of Des Moines were blessed to have had him protect and serve them.
He was truly a great guy to have known.
Dave Brown
(retired DMPD)

Mary Belieu

03/12/2023

Rest in peace my dear friend. I will miss going to breakfast, our talks and I will miss you mostly.