Lewis Joseph Ameel Jr.

November 15, 1942 - October 15, 2020

Murrells Inlet, SC… Lewis Joseph Ameel, Jr., 77, died Thursday, October 15, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on November 15, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Lewis J. Ameel, Sr. and the late Opal Gregory Ameel. Lewis remembered his adventures growing up on his grandparent’s farm with great fondness. He often described the responsibility of being the eldest of his four siblings. Moving often due to his father’s Air Force career, he planted his roots back in the Midwest where he attended university in Illinois. Lew worked as a news producer before segueing into work in cable television and real estate. He was particularly proud of his time spent educating new realtors about fair housing and providing foreclosure intervention counseling. But nothing topped being a husband, father to three, “Coach Lew” to a variety of young athletes, and “Papa” to his grandsons. Lew loved watching every sport (Go Packers!), walking on the beach, observing nature and birds (especially his egrets and blue herons). He also loved reading mysteries, studying history, and traveling. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Jane Byers Ameel; two sons, Matthew Patrick Ameel of Chicago, IL and Michael Joseph Ameel of Los Angeles, CA; a daughter, Sonia Maribel Ameel of Milwaukee, WI; three grandsons, Aidan, Adrian and Isaac of Milwaukee, WI; a daughter, Megan Elizabeth Ameel and her child, Riley; two brothers, Mark Ameel and wife, Chesta of St. Louis, Missouri and Craig Ameel of Chicago, IL; a sister, Carolyn Jonsson of Chicago, IL; and a brother in law, Edward Byers of Greensboro, NC. There will be a private family memorial service. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, Murrells Inlet, SC is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice.