Paul Russell Lewis, 78, of Jacksonville, IL died Monday, Feb 16, 2026, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

He was born Nov. 6, 1947, in Jacksonville, the son of E. Clarence and A. Louise (Lindemann) Lewis. He married Nancy Jane Grant on June 6, 1971, and she survives.

He is also survived by his daughter and son, Sarah Beth Lewis (Tom) and Ryan Paul Lewis; his grandson, Archer; and his brother, Gerald "Jerry" (Loraine) Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Paul was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in 1968, earning 4 Bronze Service Stars. He was a member of Central Christian Church, where he and Nancy were members of the Koinonia Sunday School Class. He was also the Chairman of Deacons at his church. Paul had been involved with Penske and Purcell. He was an owner/operator of Lewis Shell Service and had worked at Hannel's Amoco, and driven for Lowe's Ambulance service for many years. He had also been a valued employee at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Homes for many years. Paul and Nancy were also members of the Yellow Rockers Square Dancing group and loved cruising in their white 1964 Chevy Malibu convertible.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery. The family will meet friends 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to Stonebridge Assisted Living Facility to care for Nancy and others or to Central Christian Church. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.