Jon Mike Lewis

Jon Mike Lewis, age 86, of Canton, Texas, passed away on May 31, 2025, in Richardson, TX after battling an illness.

Jon was born on January 11, 1939, in Abilene, TX to his loving parents Charles Henry Lewis and Mamie Ruth Smartt Lewis. His family later moved to Grand Prairie, TX where Jon graduated from Grand Prairie High School as President of the Class of 1957. His accomplishments continued as he worked his way through college earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Math and Masters of Science degree in Physics from UT Arlington and East Texas University-Commerce. Jon married Brenda and they settled in Richardson, TX to raise their family.

Jon was an engineer at Texas Instruments for 15+ years. After leaving TI, he had his own business and created a program that he patented. He decided to make a career change in the late eighties and ventured into the insurance business. In 1992, he founded Benefits Assistance, Inc., a Third-Party Administrator in Richardson, TX. He built the business from the ground up and was highly respected in the business and loved by his employees. He sold BAI in 2001 and later retired in 2004, moving to Hideaway and then to his home in Canton, Texas.

Jon was active and independent. He enjoyed sports and liked watching the Dallas Cowboys, fishing and especially playing golf! He enjoyed golfing with his clients and hosting golfing events, although his greatest joy was golfing with his kids and teaching his grandkids how to golf. He made sure they were able to attend golf camp in Canton, TX each summer they were available. He continued to golf at Hideaway and Van Zandt Country Club where he had three holes-in-one!

Jon and Brenda were married for 37 years. He always expressed his gratitude to her for giving him three beautiful children. Jon loved life and most of all his family. He taught his kids the importance of having good character and a positive attitude. He was so proud to be a grandfather. He did not want to be called Grandpa, so he chose “Papa Jon” and would smile ear to ear when he heard that name.

Jon was an ambassador of Canton Chamber of Commerce and Ambassador of the year in 2018 and 2020, a member of the Van Chamber of Commerce, involved with East Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a member of the Robotics Association, member of Van Zandt Country Club, a former Board Member for the Texas Association of Third-Party Administrators, and an active member in his community. In more recent years, Jon became a published author of five books: Can I Help You, Help Save America, Want A Good Retirement, Child Guidance, and It’s Never Too Late.

Jon will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, work ethics, determination, funny and silly jokes, loving spirit, positive attitude and outlook on life! He encouraged others to be their best and to have pride in their work to the point they would want to sign it like an expensive piece of art. He was kind and loving towards everyone he met. Humble, yet took pride in a life well-lived. Whether through his service, or simple acts of kindness, he left a lasting mark on those around him. Jon’s legacy is love, simple acts of kindness, friendship, generosity, and to always count your blessings! He will never be forgotten, ever!

Jon is survived by his beloved children; daughter Vicki Burgess and granddaughter Tessa Burgess; daughter Tiffani Lewis and grandchildren Sadie Lincoln, Kyler Lincoln and Julietta Lincoln; and son Kevin Lewis and daughter-in-law Ashley Lewis, and grandchildren Jacob Lewis, Hudson Lewis, and Reed Lewis; niece Roxanne “Rocky” Schwartz, cousins, and friends. In more recent years, he grew fond of Vicki’s dog, Milky Way, that never left his side no matter what room he was in. She gave him great comfort and became his emotional support dog!

He was preceded in death by parents Charles and Mamie Ruth Lewis, wife Brenda Lewis, brother Charles Lewis, Jr. and stepson, Edward Cook, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held in Canton, Texas, on July 13, 2025, at 1 pm at Mill Creek Ranch Resort located at 1880 N Trade Days Blvd, Canton, TX 75103.

Friends and family are encouraged to join us in comfort, in bright colors (no black), to celebrate a life well-lived. The family would be grateful to receive an RSVP of your availability to supply light food and beverages by July 6, 2025. Jon loved sweets, so please feel free to bring your favorite dessert!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s, Sky Ranch Camps at www.SkyRanch.org/donate or East Texas CASA, in honor of Jon’s memory.