Andrew Benten "Drew" Lewis died May 18, 2013, in his home with his wife Amy Blansit by his side, as she had been for the past 16 months through his battle with stage 4 colon cancer. Drew was born in the middle of the summer, the youngest of three sons, to Janice Ann and John Russell Lewis. His mother preceded Drew in death. He is survived by his father, two brothers Russ and Scott, his wife Amy Blansit and his two children Janice Ann "Annie" and Austin. Like his mother, Drew loved the outdoors and was happiest on the water at Table Rock Lake. For Drew the lake was life at its best and meant family, friends and fun. He loved the hot sunny days and cool evening breezes accompanied by magnificent sunsets. Drew's father remarried Gay Kenworthy-Lewis in 1996 and Drew was grateful for the presence of "Gigi" in his children's lives. Throughout his life Drew was drawn to people and people were drawn to Drew. He was well suited to his chosen field in real estate sales. He was a graduate of the University of Missouri and a highlight of his collegiate experience was serving as social chairman of his fraternity Phi Delta Theta. Drew also loved to cook for his friends and family, a skill he acquired in his early years in an attempt to impress girls. Drew found a great outlet for his gregarious and entrepreneurial nature at an early age, becoming a D.J. while still in junior high. Music continued to provide recreation and inspiration throughout his life. He had vast musical interests and a particular passion for the Dave Matthews Band. With his love for people, parties and music it was only fitting that in April close friend of the family, Sheryl Crow, performed a benefit concert in Drew's honor. The concert and health fair were attended by 2,500 people bringing the community together and raising colon cancer awareness in a style well befitting the man who inspired the event. The word "battle" is so frequently associated with cancer. Drew waged an all-out war. Immediately after his diagnosis, Drew decided to take his journey public, using social media and creating a Facebook page to keep friends informed and to provide information to help others stay healthy. With the tireless support of Amy and an incredible network of supporters, Drew's story quickly went viral, gaining local, regional, national and even international attention. Drew was determined to live and his passion and purpose lives on in the momentum his cause created manifested in the Drew Lewis Foundation, established to increase colon cancer awareness and support to those needing hospice. Few people touch as many lives as Drew in his all too short 45 years. But for Drew, there was no relationship more important than the one he had with his two children, and no role more important than father. Drew was an incredible, active and devoted Dad to Austin and Annie. His life's work was exemplified in his love for his children. Memorial contributions honoring Drew may be made to Lost and Found, 1006 S. Cedarbrook, Springfield, MO, 65802. Visitation with the family has been arranged for Wednesday, May 22, 4-7 at the Lake Springfield Boathouse 5324 S. Kissick. Memorial Services will be held Thursday, May 23, 4:00, at Kingsway United Methodist Church 2401 S. Lone Pine with arrangements through Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Until then- Cheers.