Deceased October 5, 2015, Lorain, Ohio.

LEWIS RONALD C. "COOTER" LEWIS, 68, of Vermilion, died Monday, Oct-ober 5, 2015 at Mercy Regional Medical Center after a sudden illness. He was born April 12, 1947 in Cleveland, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 31 years moving from Rocky River. Cooter worked for the City of Vermilion as an operator with the water department for 10 years retiring in 2006. He was a member of the VFW Post #7576, AMVETS Post #22, American Legion Post #397, and several Hot Rod Clubs including "Good Guys & Geezers". He had a love for life and enjoyed motorcycles, traveling, and collecting cars. He loved his grandchildren, nephews, and nieces who knew his personality to be Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny rolled into one. He is survived by his significant other of 16 years, Laura Sokol of Vermilion; brothers, Dale (Jane) Lewis of University Heights and Don (Jan) Lewis of Denver, CO; sister, Susan Lewis of Westlake; sister-in-law, Jeannette Lewis of Rocky River; several nieces and nephews, and granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents,Vincent and Jane (nee Van Flandern) Lewis and a brother, Richard Lewis. The family will receive friends on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street ,Vermilion, OH 44089. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior Street, Sandusky, OH 44870 . Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.

Published in The Plain Dealer from Oct. 6 to Oct. 7, 2015 - See more at: http://obits.cleveland.com/obituaries/cleveland/obituary.aspx?n=RONALD-C-LEWIS-COOTER&pid=176035067#sthash.Gr3FTNMw.dpuf