Wayne E. Lewis, 79, was born on June 11, 1941, and passed away on August 9, 2020.
Wayne was born in Rulo and was a lifelong Nebraska resident. He graduated from Falls City High School and Milford Trade School with a particular interest in high-performance engines.
In 1962 Wayne and two friends started a drag racing team and competed in the 1964 US Nationals. In 1966 he partnered with Dick Heier and in 1968 set a national record in the B-modified production class with his engine. In 1969.
Wayne started Lewis Automotive, where he built winning engines for drag racing and sprint cars. Many NHRA records were set and championships were won with Lewis power. Wayne began doing tech inspections for NHRA in 1996 and since 2002 had been the Division 5 Assistant Tech Director. Wayne was honored to be inducted as a member of the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2010. He worked at Speedway Motors for the last 25 years and enjoyed golf and Husker Football.
Wayne had a kind soul and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by parents Willard and Margaret Lewis; sister Margaret Ann Turner; brother Harold Lewis.
Survived by wife of 32 years Susan; daughters Kathy Huggins and Shari Piper (Dave); grandsons Andy and Brian Huggins; stepsons Ken Eggerss (Julie), Jeff Eggerss (Jeanne) and Steve Eggerss; 9 step-grandchildren; and one step great-grandchild; brother Robert Lewis (Ginny); twin sister Elaine Penkava (Tom); many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation: Thursday, August 13, 6-8 p.m. and Funeral Service: Friday, August 14, 10:30 a.m., both at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home.
Interment was in College View Cemetery
Memorials will be directed by the family. www.bmlfh.com
Wayne E. Lewis
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