Lewis “Lewie” Lee Fruit, 88, Warsaw, passed away at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, at his residence.

He was born on Sept. 29, 1929 in Claypool, to Violet Maurine (McComb) Fruit and Walter Homer Fruit. On June 19, 1949 he was married to Barbara Nel (Schaaf) Fruit, who survives.

Lewie was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, where he was a 1947 graduate of Silver Lake High School. He farmed the family farm in Jackson Township until 1961. In 1965 he moved to Silver Lake and attended International Business College in Fort Wayne. Lewie was a truck driver for Alloys of Wabash for 32 years, and after retirement he continued to drive by delivering school buses for Kerlin Bus Sales in Silver Lake. He enjoyed listening to Gaither music, but most of all he had a real love for family, spending time with them and helping whenever he could.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Fruit, Warsaw; two sons: Rick (wife Sandy) Fruit, Michigan City; David Fruit, Warsaw; and his daughter: Peg (husband Greg) Burgher, Warsaw. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Tiffany Fruit, Warsaw; Brandon Fruit, Fort Wayne; Rachael Fruit, Warsaw; Katie (husband Jake) Jacquay, Warsaw; Lori (husband Paul) Chase, Louisville, Ky.; Josh (wife Robin) Burgher, New York, N.Y.; Matt (wife Julie) Burgher, Evansville; Ryan (wife Neena) Burgher, Warsaw; and his brother: Jim Fruit, Lincoln, Calif.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister

Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

His funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Kenneth Miller.  Burial will follow with a graveside service at Ulrey Memorial Cemetery in Silver Lake.

Memorial donations may be directed to Parkview Warsaw YMCA, 1305 Mariners Drive, Warsaw, Indiana  46582 to go towards Kid’s Club; or to the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Northwest Indiana Office, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, Indiana  46545 and would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s Web Site at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com