Obituary: Terry Jerome Lewis, Jr.

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Terry Jerome Lewis, Jr.

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Terry Jerome Lewis Jr., of Bolingbrook, IL. Terry passed away suddenly on September 8, 2025, at the age of 43. He was born on August 9, 1982, in Evanston, IL, the beloved son of Terry and Dawn (nee Champagne) Lewis, Sr.

Terry graduated from McHenry West High School, where he was part of the wrestling and football team. He worked in the automotive industry, first as a service technician, then as a Service Writer, before eventually working his way up to Service Director, a title he held proudly. He was always friendly to his customers and a positive influence on his team.

Terry loved the outdoors, especially fishing and boating with his son. He had a deep loyalty to his Chicago teams - the Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks, no matter how ugly the seasons got. He also had a soft spot for country music, which was always playing in the background, whether he was loudly singing in the shower, doing yard work outside, or relaxing with one of his beloved Rottweiler’s by his side

Terry had a playful, mischievous attitude, often acting like a big kid. His nieces and nephews lovingly called him “Scary Terry” for the way he’d chase and tease them, always turning family gatherings into a crazy WWE-like event. He was a fixture at his Tuesday night horseshoe league, where the competition was serious, but the jokes were not.

Terry had a knack for fixing just about anything, often refusing to even glance at instructions. He was always the first to lend a hand to family or friends, whether something needed repairing, moving, building, or just to give some good old-fashioned advice, which was usually communicated in a blunt, but loving way.

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Laura; son, Trent, who was his pride and joy; step-son, Reece; parents, Terry and Dawn Lewis, Sr., grandmother, Marilyn Champagne; brother; Richard Lewis; sister, Jenny (Todd) Goranson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Todd and Patti Hogan; sisters-in-law, Jennifer (David) Dwelle and Stephanie (P.J.) Forster; brother-in-law, Kyle (Sylvia) Hogan; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd Lewis, Aline Lewis, and George Champagne.

Terry was a one-of-a-kind soul who brought laughter and a little bit of chaos wherever he went. He wasn’t perfect, but he was loved.

A Memorial Gathering for Terry Lewis, Jr. will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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