At a private gathering with family and friends in late August, former Delaware resident Jack Lewis, 98, was presented with the Order of the First State for his accomplishments as an artist and for his contributions to the state of Delaware over nearly three-quarters of a century. The Order of the First State awarded by Gov. Jack Markell is the highest honor for meritorious service the governor can grant.
“It was my great pleasure to be able to bestow this distinction upon such a deserving person, who spent so many years in Delaware sharing his wonderful gifts with his fellow Delawareans and encouraging them to appreciate the beauty of the world around them,” Markell said.
Long-time friends Jim Flood Sr. and Mary Flood traveled from Delaware to Maine to present the award to Lewis on behalf of Markell and the state of Delaware and to celebrate the occasion with Jack and his family. Flood is publisher emeritus of the Dover Post.
Born in Baltimore in 1912, Lewis first appeared on the Delaware scene as an artist with the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to the Pacific as part of the Corps of Engineers.
Following the war, he taught art in Delaware public schools and at Delaware Community College from 1949 to 1976, but continued painting as well. He published several books of his artwork over the years, with forewords written by notable Americans such as N.C. Wyeth and Eleanor Roosevelt. After retiring from his career as a school art teacher, Mr. Lewis taught at various places throughout the community, including the Delaware Correctional Center.
Some of Lewis’ art maybe found by clicking here.
