Thomas M Lewis

Thomas M Lewis, 78, passed away on November 11, 2025.

Tom Lewis was never one to take life too seriously—unless, of course, there was a baseball game on. He spent 55 years of marriage keeping his beloved wife, Kathleen, alternately laughing and rolling her eyes. The two were married on June 27, 1970, at St. Polycarp Catholic Church in Garden Grove, California, and soon after, they packed up and headed to Pocatello, Idaho, to start their adventure together.

A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, Tom’s faith was strong—though he may have tested a few angels’ patience along the way. He was active in the music ministry and a team member on Marriage Encounter weekends, where his quick wit and honesty made him a favorite among couples looking for both inspiration and a good laugh.

Tom loved baseball with a passion that bordered on obsession. His heart belonged to the Atlanta Braves, and he spent many years behind the plate as an umpire for men’s fast pitch and slow pitch games, as well as Little League and high school teams. He wasn’t afraid to make a tough call—and he definitely enjoyed the banter that came with it.

Theater was another of Tom’s great loves. He first caught the performing bug in high school and eventually worked for Sid and Marty Krofft Productions as a professional puppeteer, living in New Orleans and Texas—proof that he could make anything come to life, even from behind a curtain. His favorite place on earth was Disneyland, where his inner child could run wild.

After moving to Idaho, Tom joined Theater on the Road before finding a home with Westside Players, where he acted in and directed countless productions. On stage or off, Tom’s humor, timing, and big personality always stole the show.

Tom’s personality, however, came in two flavors: the bubbly extrovert who could lighten up a whole room, and the grumpy old bear his family affectionately called “Grumpah”. Both sides were equally loved, and both were unmistakably him.

He worked at J.R. Simplot for 36 years, first as a weigh master and later as a trainer. He retired in 2012—though he never really retired from being the life of the party.

Tom leaves behind his loving wife, Kathleen; children Danielle Enno (Pocatello, ID), Matthew Lewis (Mapleton, UT), and Kaitlin Ouzts (Chubbuck, ID); sister Roberta Knight (Anaheim, CA); brother Timothy Patrick Lewis (Anaheim, CA); seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. and Patricia Ann Crouch Lewis, and his grandmother, Margaret Crouch.

Tom was funny, kind, mischievous, and always ready with a joke that might make you blush—but guaranteed to make you laugh. His humor, warmth, and imperfect, wonderful personality made every room brighter. He leaves behind stories that will be retold for years and a legacy of love and laughter that will be remembered by everyone lucky enough to have known him.

A Rosary will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the Holy Spirit Catholic Community Church, 524 N 7th Avenue, Pocatello, ID. Mass will be held at 2:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Idaho Food Bank via the link below or to Holy Spirit Catholic School. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=H3G6PZ4DHNFD6

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