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Leslie Jennings Lewis, 71, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on July 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of those who meant the most to him.
Les was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He was an avid UK and Somerset Sports fan. He loved God, Bass fishing and music.
Leslie was born on April 2, 1955, in Somerset, Kentucky, to the late William Jennings Lewis and Opal Geneva Tilley Lewis. He was also preceded in death by his brother, David Lewis.
Leslie is survived by his devoted life partner, Connie Merrick of Somerset; his children, Timothy Jacob Lewis (Richmond), Amanda Lewis (Ivan Cornelius) of Independence Kentucky, Jennifer Hargis (Gavin Hargis, Sara Hargis) of Lexington, and August Sunshine Waters (Annastyn Waters, and August Sumner) of Lawrenceville, Georgia. He is also survived by his sister, Paula Christine Lewis (Tess Bevins) of Sedro Wooly, WA; his brothers, Jerome Wayne Lewis (Pam Lewis) of Revelo, Ky and granddaughter McKenzie Sharp (Reese Sharp) of Ft. Wright, Ky, William Jennings Lewis of Lexington (Anni Cox (Jeremy Cox of Louisville), Kentucky, and John Steven Lewis (Angela Lewis) Nephews: Tanner (Merissa), Isaiah, Joshua Lewis of Somerset. Emily Etris (Johnny Daulton) of Texas. Grands and Greats: Roman, Logan, Carson, CJ, Destiny, Kai, Harley, Zuri, Zepyhra, and Autumn, Maddox (2025).
Leslie will be remembered for his strength, his love for his family, and the memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren, family, and friends. The family appreciates the love, prayers, and support shown during Leslie’s illness and in this time of loss.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Southern Oaks Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday in the Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home with Bro. Darvie Fenison officiating. Inurnment will follow in Mill Springs National Cemetery with Full Military Honors provided by American Legion Post #38 Honor Guard.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Leslie Jennings Lewis.
We’ve had the privilege of calling Les and Connie “our neighbors” for over 11 years now. We’ve shared our ups and downs together and have always “been there” for one another. Already missing our buddy. Rest easy, Les. We’ll meet again someday soon. Love ya, Bub. You were a wonderful neighbor and friend.
We’ve been blessed to call Les and Connie “our neighbors” for over 11 years now. We’ve seen and been through highs and lows together and have always known our love, support and dedication to and for one another has been unconditional and unmatched. We already miss you, buddy, but we know we’ll meet again someday soon. Rest in peace, our friend. Love ya, Bub.
Rest in the arms of Jesus my darling, I miss you fiercely but I would not bring you back to the pain and sin of this world if I could. Thank you to everyone that made his passing easier, family friends, VA and Hospice
Les was my best friend. We met at work and started bass fishing in 1985.
I don’t know how fishing will be without him.
I have fished with several other friends during those years that I knew Les but we had the most laughs and stories to tell.
We called each other because we were as close as brothers.
I will miss him more than words can express.
I will always keep his family in my prayers.
We talked about God a lot during our friendship and he had accepted Jesus as his Lord and savior. That helps me tremendously knowing where he will spend eternity.
I will see him again. Soon…
Rest in Peace My Friend.
Les coached in our little kid basketball league. He was a good man, a good ball coach and a terrific human being. He is at peace, with the Angels now. I will miss you, my friend.