Homer Herman "Junie" Lewis

Homer Herman (Junie) Lewis, Jr., 93, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020, surrounded by loving family. Junie was born June 30, 1926, in Garfield, MD (Frederick County). He was the son of the late Homer H. Lewis, Sr. and Evelyn C. (Wolfe) Lewis. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy Lee (Rowland) Lewis.; two sons, Douglas Edward Lewis, who died as an infant, and Darren Jay Lewis of Hagerstown, MD; one brother Gerald B. Lewis of Folsom, PA; and two sisters Connie M. (Lewis) Harbaugh and Wanda Kay (Lewis) Magaha, both of Hagerstown, MD. Junie is survived by his grand-daughter, Rachel Lewis of Winchester, VA , his great grand-daughter Kiley Elaine Macturk of Augusta, WV and his infant great-great-grandson Wesley Andrew Coots, whom he sadly didn’t get a chance to meet; and two great grandsons Dylan Short and Aiden Fishel, both of Stephens City, VA. Junie is also survived by his sisters Wilda F. (Lewis) Forcino and Linda L. (Lewis) Hastings, both of Hagerstown. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends too numerous to adequately mention. Junie lived a long and storied life. He worked for M.P. Moller Pipe Organ Company in Hagerstown, MD but left to enter the United States Navy at the age of 17. He had stereoscopic vision which means he was able to sense depth from both eyes at the same time, which was a vital ability to the Navy. He graduated from basic training at the top of his class and went on to serve from 1943 through 1945; truly becoming part of history as a World War II veteran. Junie served aboard the USS Bronstein (DE-189), a destroyer escort, as a Fire Control Man, Third Class in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Junie regaled family and friends with stories of his naval service. After the Navy, Junie returned to work at M.P. Moller Pipe Organ Company. He also worked to finish school and obtain his high school diploma. In 1963, he started a part-time organ pipe business with partners, Joseph E. Clipp and Edward Lushbaugh. That business started in a small 2 car garage in a side alley and incorporated as TRIVO Company, Inc. in 1969. Interestingly, the name TRIVO was based on the three partners (TRI) who were all reed pipe voicers (VO) at M.P. Moller. In 1972, Junie left M.P. Moller to teach the electrical trade at the Victor Cullen Reform School for Boys in Sabillasville, MD. In 1974, he went full-time with TRIVO, seeing the company grow and flourish. TRIVO pipes can be found in churches, cathedrals, and pipe organs all over the world. Junie officially “retired” from TRIVO in 2012 at the age of 86, although he remained an owner and connected to the company and his TRIVO family for his remaining years. Junie was a member of the Improved Order of Red Men #84, Williamsport, MD; Washington County Amvets , Post 10, Hagerstown, MD; the American Legion, and was a founding member of the American Institute of Organbuilders (AIO). He attended Garfield United Methodist Church, Smithsburg, MD. Junie was passionate about continual learning, organ building, his Naval service, and his family and friends. He travelled extensively installing and repairing pipe organs, attending AIO conventions and Naval reunions with his shipmates. Junie epitomized the essence of “The Greatest Generation”. He could do virtually anything from electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, and other trades work to organ building, and engine repair. He did it all. He was a prolific reader, always searching the internet for continual knowledge and learning. He was also a bit of a prankster in his day, an accomplished joke teller, and could tell a story like no other. He was truly the coolest guy on earth and will be sorely missed. Per his wishes, Junie will be cremated and interred with his beloved Nancy at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, Hagerstown, MD. A graveside service with full military honors is planned for a date to be determined when it is safe to do so and will be announced later. Arrangements are through J. L. Davis Funeral Home, 12525 Bradbury Avenue, Smithsburg, MD. Online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.