Dr. Lewis Harrison, Jr.

Dr. Lewis Harrison, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed into the arms of Jesus peacefully, on September 19, 2024. Born on January 23, 1940, at the Flagler hospital, in Flagler, Colorado, to Lewis and Esther Harrison, Lewis was the fourth of five children. He is now at rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Esther, and his siblings: sisters Imogene Von Seggern and Mary Weatherly, brother Lavern “Red” Harrison and his grandson, Mark Russel McIntosh. He is survived by his sister, Nadine Dumcum, of Arriba, Colorado.  

Dr. Harrison graduated as the class salutatorian from Arriba High School in 1958, where he was recognized with the “Most Versatile” award, a testament to his enjoyment of life and his desire to pursue new and greater goals. Lewis had an active and inquisitive mind but lacked the material resources to achieve his ambitions, so he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a PFC (Private First Class) after high school. He later served as an officer (Captain) in the Air Force, including a tenure with the Nebraska Air National Guard while attending the University of Nebraska. 

After completing his first year in the Marines, Lewis took leave and went to Flagler to marry his high school sweetheart. On June 22, 1959, at the Flagler Baptist Church, Rev. Roland Reed conducted the wedding ceremony. He knew she was a Christian and desired to share in the life that she and her family displayed. Their love story flourished, leading to a vibrant family life filled with joy, sorrows, and shared experiences. 

Lewis was deeply committed to his faith, having accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1957. He was baptized after hearing the gospel preached at a church revival. His life was forever changed. He dedicated much of his life to studying the Bible and teaching others and served as the State Chaplain for the Disabled American Veterans, offering comfort and support to those in need. He would visit the VA Hospital, reach out to people in nursing homes, and even often officiate funerals. Only in Heaven will we know the extent of those he influenced for the Lord’s Kingdom. 

Lewis and Jeannie were blessed with three children: Tamera Lynn, Lewis Blake, and Melinda Jean. They celebrated many family milestones, including their 50th “Sugar Bowl” party in Parker, Colorado, and again ten years later, their 60th wedding anniversary, surrounded by their kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and loved ones from all walks of life.They were happily married for 65.5 years. 

His passion for dentistry led him to a distinguished career as an educator and practitioner. Dr. Harrison and Jeannie enjoyed their first two years in the San Diego area of Southern California. He completed his service to his country as a proud Marine in June of 1961. Their first daughter, Tamera Lynn, was born in August in California while they were stationed there. After his honorable discharge in June 1961, they moved back to Colorado. 

Lewis wanted to use his military GI benefits for education, so from 1962 to 1966, he attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science with an emphasis on Pre-Dental. He inspired countless students and published and presented dental research studies both nationally and internationally. At that time, there was no dental school in Colorado, so Lewis applied and was accepted to the University of Louisville in Kentucky. He studied there from 1966 to 1970, obtaining his DMD degree. While in Kentucky, their second child, Lewis Blake, was born in March. 

After moving back to Colorado to start his private practice, their third child, Melinda Jean, was born in Denver. Lewis taught at multiple universities, including the University of Colorado, where he inspired countless students and published significant dental research. He also obtained graduate work in Periodontics at the University of Nebraska and served on their teaching staff. Lewis taught at three more universities: ORU in Oklahoma until it had to close it’s doors, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Colorado School of Dentistry from 1989 to 1996, all while maintaining a part-time private practice in Aurora and Parker. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Harrison had a rich array of hobbies. He enjoyed golfing with his wife and playing the trombone and trumpet while she played the piano or organ beside him. He even taught himself to paint with oils. His volunteer work with Project CURE involved preparing used dental and medical equipment to ship to those in need in faraway places, and he volunteered at the Denver Rescue Mission for many years as their dentist, giving back to the community. 

Lewis is survived by his loving wife, Jeannie; their three children and their spouses; and four grandchildren: Kendra and Phil Stacey, Ashley Menard, and Ryan Menard, as well as three greatgrandchildren, Chloe and Nick Classen, and Mckayla Stacey. 

A military honors service will be held at the Flagler Cemetery on September 28th, 2024, and will be officiated by Rev. Del Pomerinke, where Lewis's ashes will be interred and a flag presented. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Flagler Baptist Church (526 Pawnee Ave, Flagler, CO 80815). 

As Philippians 1:20-21(Living Bible) reminds us, “...so now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to live is Christ and to die is gain.”