Olathe, Kansas - Jerry Jean Lewis, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Olathe, Kansas, after a long battle due to complications from congestive heart failure and diabetes.

Born on November 9, 1942, in Walla Walla, Washington, Jerry entered the world alongside his twin brother, Larry Dean. He was the son of Donald R. and Helen M. Lewis.

Jerry graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1961. He briefly attended college and worked as a milkman before joining the United States Air Force in July 1963.

Then, in October 1967, Jerry began a long and rewarding career with the Los Angeles Police Department. During his time with the LAPD, he served in patrol, homicide unit, worked as an athletic instructor at the police academy, and later joined the Public Relations department in Hollenbeck Division, where he built strong connections with the local community and businesses. He was also assigned to the LAPD Police Band for 10 years. While working with the LAPD, Jerry also served in the military reserves, including the Marines, the Army National Guard of California as a Band Master, and the U.S. Army Reserves, where he was a military police instructor.

On April 20, 1968, Jerry married Ruth Ann Compton. Together, they raised two daughters, Jeanan Paige and Rachel Jean.

After retiring from the LAPD in 1988, the Lewis family relocated to Elk Grove, California, where they lived for 32 years. Jerry continued his service in law enforcement with the California State Fair Police as well as the U.S. Army Reserves, where he found great joy as a Band Master. He retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 2002.

In 2020, Jerry and Ruth Ann moved to Olathe, Kansas, to be closer to family.

Jerry was a man of many talents. Music was his lifelong passion. He played trumpet nearly every day and loved performing in community bands, church services, and local events. He also enjoyed playing the ukulele and banjo, filling his days with joyful melodies. Jerry had a deep love and knowledge of cars. He spent countless hours in his workshop and music room - building, fixing, inventing, writing poems, and creating music. Jerry loved playing music for and with his family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Ruth Ann; his daughters, Jeanan Brown and Rachel Iuli (Ryan); and his beloved grandchildren, Olivia, Keialani, and Toa. He is also survived by his daughter, Heidi Lewis, and his sister, Lynda Tanner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Helen; his brother, Ivan; and his twin brother, Larry Dean.

Jerry felt blessed to have spent many wonderful times visiting Walla Walla in recent years with family and friends, especially the time spent reconnecting with loved ones and enjoying the bond he shared with his twin.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall in Walla Walla, Washington, in his honor, with details to be announced.