Roland Lewis Sr.

The streaming service for Roland Daniel Lewis, Sr. is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at 11:00 am. Please use the link to access the services:
https://www.creatingyoursolution.com/rolanddlewis

Roland Daniel Lewis, Sr, 88, of Denver, Colorado joined our loving Creator at 5:00 a.m., June 23, 2020, at home and surrounded by his wife and family. He was born May 19, 1932, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Jacob Oscar Lewis and Edna Mae Guimont. He married Sylvia Naomi Grimes, the love of his life, on October 11, 1954.

A native of New Orleans, he went on to serve in the US Army for two years, doing basic training in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Fort Carson Army base in Colorado Springs, CO was his duty station.

He and Sylvia returned to New Orleans and he pursued construction work with his siblings. having worked as a subcontractor for many notable projects, including the building of the Louisiana Superdome. He and his family also built many homes throughout New Orleans.

He needed to leave the south because as he told us, he had a temper and could not stand to be treated (less than). Therefore, in 1957, Sylvia and Roland headed north and returned to Denver, Colorado where they purchased their first home in northeast Denver.

Roland started working in the kitchen at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs while also building and remodeling homes throughout greater metro Denver with his wife Sylvia. He always told us that you do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do. Never think you are too good for any job or better than anyone is. He raised us to work hard and always do your best and prove why you belong at the table anywhere.

Roland went on to join the government. He began working as a carpenter in the Maintenance Division of Fitzsimons Army Base. Despite the racial tension and unrest going on at the time, Roland did not let anyone deter him from his goal of going to school to increase his knowledge and skills in all facets of construction management. He received many promotions, awards and accommodations throughout his federal career. Promoted to Branch Chief over the Engineering Division at Fitzsimmons, he retired from Fitzsimmons after 40 years of services.

His mother (Edna/Mommie), father (Jacob/Jakee), older brother (Jacob III), younger sister (Sylvia) and eldest son (Roland Jr.) predeceased Roland. Roland is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sylvia Naomi Lewis (Grimes), daughters Paula D. Lewis, Jayné Lewis Johnson and Mae (Mimi) Matthews, son Gary T. Lewis, grandchildren Deshawn Lewis, Antoine Lewis, Tikia Julian, Jedidah Johnson, Jaida Johnson, Aaliyah Lewis, Alayah Dukes, Javonna Johnson, Ariane Dukes, and great grandchild Aarayah Lewis.

We will remember Roland for his love in working with his hands. He could build or fix anything. He spent most of his spare time with his wife Sylvia. When you saw one you would definitely see the other. The two were inseparable. They loved to cook together, dance, travel and spend time with family and friends.

He loved to tell stories and his children and grandchildren would laugh for hours as he shared his gems of overcoming life's challenges, turning his life from destructive ways, and encouraging his children and grandchildren to succeed and do the same.

v

Visitation : July 7, 2020 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Celebration of Life : July 8, 2020 11:00 am

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869

Interment : July 8, 2020 2:30 pm

Fort Logan National Cemetery
4400 West Kenyon Avenue
Denver, CO 80236
(303) 781-0117