Lewis Demetrius Funches Jr. Obituary (1998

AKA LOU RAWLS, was born on march 3, 1998 to Tenika Blackman and Lewis Demetrius Funches Sr. Lewis was introduced to Nathaniel Body at the age of 4 years old and they grew into DAD and SON relationship. As well as special father figure Patrick (TWON) Bose. They had a wonderful bond. Lewis was his mother's twin. They did everything together. He was her driver, road companion, travel buddy, and attended every event together. When you saw his mom, Lewis was not far away. They had a mom/son bond that was so precious. They had planned to visit Dubai for 3 weeks for his birthday. Lewis touched everyone's life. That he met in such a magnetic way. His amazing smile drew you near and comforted you. He knew how to draw a crowd with his love, dance and his graceful personality. He was a man of few words but impacted you with his love for people and his kind heart. He was always lending a helping hand, even when he did not have money. He would find a way to help. Lewis professed Christ in his life at an early age. He was christening and baptized by Rev. Ernestine Baker, Pastor, Circle of Praise Chapel where he attended often. At the age of 15 years old, Lewis joined and underwent a 12-week membership program at Park Manor Christian Church, Willian E. Crowder Jr, Pastor. Lewis attended Beasley Child Parent Center, where he met his brother, Devon. He went on to Beasley Academic Center until 4th grade. He attended and graduated from A N Pritzker Public School. He was highly active in the school programs, plays, and athletic activities. The teachers and principal always expressed that Lewis was a pleasure to have as a student. He graduated from Johnson College Prep High School. This was a safe haven for the students and aided in preparing Lewis into the young man he became. He developed a special bond with teachers: Mrs. LiYanna Baker, AKA Mama Baker, and Mr. Cedric Hunter and his brothers (The Hunter Boys), Devon, Timothy, Laron, Martavias and the rest of Justice where his passion to becoming a Chicago Police began. He worked during the summers at the 15th district police department. He joined the Gents of LC. a male mentoring organization, where he engaged in performances, dances, and live mic nights. He left college when they called him to the Police Academy for a series of physical, classroom and psychology testing, which he passed. The final steps were sending his transcripts and the call for the start date in the academy. Lewis had a zeal for dancing where he would mesmerize you. He was a part of the Silent Threat Dance Team for many years, under the leadership of Verdell Smith. He was involved in many performances, including the Bud Billiken Parade. They raise money to buy the extravagant uniforms. which gave the children much pride and ownership to becoming active members of their community. Lewis endured some health issues at the age 14. However, he overcame this obstacle in his own was and soared. All he ever wanted was for Rev. Baker to make him some sweet tea and for his great granny to make him a sweet potato pie. He played football, rugby, basketball, ran track, and dance like never before. Lewis was always striving to improve his health. He ate healthy, worked out at the gym often, rode his bike, played on the football team, played his video games for hours.