Lionel "Gene" Mevis

Lionel Gene Mevis, 80, of Lake Charles, died suddenly Monday April 21, 2014 at his residence. Gene was a native of Wisconsin and a long time resident of Lake Charles. He honorably served in the United States Air Force from the Korean Conflict through Vietnam. While serving in the Air Force, Gene received the longevity service award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster and Air Force Commendation Medal. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he began a career with Louisiana Savings and Loan, and finally retired from the City of Lake Charles as the Director of Public Works. He was a member and Pilgrim of the Loyal Order of the Moose and a Baptist by faith. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Mevis and Russell and Verda Young Milburns; brother, Frank Mevis and grandson, Benjamin Mevis. Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 59 years, Madelyn Willis Mevis; son, David Mevis; grandchildren, Matthew Mevis, Paul Mevis and Mary Sneddon; and a sister, Alice Kindell. Visitation will be on Saturday April 26, 2014 at Johnson Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday with Rev. Steve Shirley officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will be at Prien Memorial Gardens. The family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, 630 West Prien Lake Road, Suite 107, Lake Charles, LA 70601or the charity of the donor's choice.