George Lewis

George H. Lewis III, 87, passed away peacefully with family present on Saturday, December 14th, 2024. George was born and raised in the Akron area. To avoid having two Georges in the household, he was nicknamed "Mike" after his Dad's best friend.

Mike graduated from Lehigh University with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. He introduced plastic production to The Akron Porcelain and Plastics Company when he began working there in 1959. He retired in 2004, after 44 years of service, including 29 years as President and CEO of the Company. AP&P has one of the oldest Charters in the state of Ohio. The Company was founded in 1890, and is still in operation today.

Mike was always very active both professionally and in the community. Professionally, Mike was a member of The American Ceramic Society, The Society of Plastic Engineers, The Technical Ceramic Manufacturing Association and The American Ceramic Components Manufacturing Association.

He belonged to the Young Presidents' Organization, Cleveland Chapter, and served as President from 1982-1983. He was also a member of the Cleveland Presidents' Organization.

Mike was on the Board of Directors of Mercury Plastics Company in Middlefield, Ohio, and served on the boards of The Duracote Corporation in Ravenna, Ohio and The Defiance Company in Cleveland.

Mike's involvement in our Community began years ago. He exemplified the importance of giving back to the community and always strived to improve the financial stability and future of the agencies he served. He was an active member of the Jaycees, Rotary, Junior Achievement and Friends of Hale Farm. He spent a great deal of time working with The United Way and The Inventors' Hall of Fame, and was also a member of The Blue Coats.

Among the Boards he has served on are Portage Country Club, Red Cross, Akron General Hospital, Lodi Hospital, Akron Community Foundation, and closest to his heart, The Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council Board.

Mike's connection to The Great Trail Council began decades ago. His family has faithfully supported the council for four generations. His great Uncle, H. Karl Butler, donated the land that became the home of Camps Butler and Manatoc on Route 303. His Grandfather and his Father both served on the council executive board.

Mike was a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout, a Cub Master and an Assistant Scout Master. He served in many roles in the council that included Council President in 1992, Chairman of the Outdoor Committee, and Charter member of the Wilderness Engineers of Camp Manatoc. He continued to serve on the Executive Board and was Vice President of Endowment. He received the Council's Silver Beaver award in 1994 and was honored with the William C. Zekan Good Scout award in 2004, and the distinguished Community Service Award in 2005.

During Mike's free time he enjoyed Fly Fishing, Scuba Diving, Traveling and Photography. He and his wife, Sheila, lived in Bath and Akron with their seven children. We will miss him dearly and forever treasure the impact he had on our lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George H. and Jean B. Lewis; and wife, Sheila K. Lewis. Mike is survived by children; Dean B. Lewis (Martine), David W. Lewis (Kelly) and Merry Lewis; step children, Stephen C. Eaton, Laura J. Eaton, James P. Eaton, Kathryn M. Eaton; grandchildren, Krystal (Michael), Eva, Megan, James, Molly, Maddi, and Aiden; brother, Andrew B. Lewis (Sally), and many nieces and nephews.

Mike preferred that no calling hours or funeral services be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mike's memory to The Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council.