Eulus Eugene Lewis (aka Boots or Gene) of Columbus, Ohio, died at the age of 84 on February 27, 2026.

On August 4, 1941, Boots was born in Frankfort, Kentucky. He grew up in Ottenheim, a small tobacco farming community in Lincoln County. He joined the Army at 18 years of age and proudly served his country in the 82nd Airborne Division.

After leaving the Army he returned to Ottenheim to take care of his adoptive mother. He later left the hills and hollers of Kentucky for work in Cincinnati and eventually Columbus Ohio. Gene was a meat cutter by trade and had successful stops with A&P, Kroger and Super Duper. He was an avid sports fan his entire life. He loved the Reds, Buckeyes and UK basketball.

Gene is survived by his former wife, Sondra; daughter, Shelley (Lewis) Hauptschein; son, David Lewis; grandchildren, Taylor, Jack and Ryan Ruff, Kristin and Emily Lewis. He is also survived by many siblings.

Eulus was preceded in death by his mother, Cecil Lewis and father, Enoch Yantz as well as some of his beloved siblings.

Military services will be held on Monday, March 16th at 2pm at the Dayton National Cemetery.

To send condolences or share memories visit www.Pfeifer-Woodyard.com.

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.