CHANDLER, Ariz. –On Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, Matthew Christopher Lewis, loving son, brother and dad, moved into Heaven from his temporary home here on earth. Matthew’s body was being attacked at Chandler Regional Hospital by a genetic disease from birth, he was 31 years of age.
Matthew “Bobby” was born Jan. 27, 1987 in Rockford, to Michael and Christine (Kaltenbach) Lewis. He graduated from Byron High School in 2005. He was engaged to the love of his life, Shandra Lynn, also of Chandler. Matt had taken on the role of Dad to Shandra’s son Elijah. They planned to wed in Sept. 2019. Since 2009, he was enjoying his life in Chandler, Ariz., where he worked at Fry’s Food Store surrounded by many friends. Arizona was his perfect world, He could enjoy the sun and fun at the pool, bike miles in the mountains, ski and snowboard anytime and golf in “our winter” in shorts.
Matt influenced many with his positive attitude about life and was always smiling and had a boisterous laugh. He had a passion for making people laugh and would do anything to make you smile. He had a way to make you feel important, needed and loved and took you into his heart. Because of that attitude we have a lot of great memories and pictures of Matt and his friends. Matt was a huge Green Bay Packer and Chicago Cubs fan. He loved watching YouTube videos, drag racing and tractor pulls. He was an amateur photographer and was always taking pictures, trying to get the best shot of everything and always said “take lots of pictures, even if you don't think you need to, you’ll be happier later.”
Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Charlotte Lewis and Christie and Doris Kaltenbach.
He is survived by his parents, his brother Mark and his wife Jessica and their children Mike and Dharma, his fiancé Shandra and her son Eli. Matt was excited and looking forward to being “Uncle Bob” again in May 2019. He is also, survived by aunts Holly, Merry and Jean Marie along with their families; a self-picked brother Fidel Munoz and many special, close friends.
Visitation will be Saturday, Nov. 10 beginning at 1 p.m., followed by funeral service beginning at 2:45 p.m. at Beacon Hill Church, 6467 German Church Road, Byron. A Celebration of Life will follow the service also at the church for refreshments to be enjoyed & memories shared.
The family was assisted by Pastor Gary & Val Cortese, Bueler Chandler Mortuary and Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been established at Byron Bank, POB 901, Byron, IL 61010.
