KINGWOOD, W.Va. — Delegate Tony Lewis, R-Preston, has died at the age of 59 following a battle with lymphoma.
House Speaker Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha, said Lewis died at around 4 p.m. Sunday.
State delegate Tony Lewis, R-Preston
“I am so very sad to learn of Tony’s passing,” Speaker Armstead said. “Tony was a true West Virginian and patriot. He served for 26 years in the West Virginia National Guard, and fought for our country during tours of duty in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a devoted family man, and a faithful and hard-working public servant. Tony’s dedication and work ethic left a lasting impression on all of us who worked with him. His strong character was never more apparent than during the recent special session, as Tony continued to come to Charleston and speak up for his district while receiving treatment for his cancer. Anna and I extend our heartfelt prayers to Tony’s wife Lyndia and his entire family during this difficult time. Tony earned the greatest respect and admiration of all his colleagues and he will truly be missed as both a legislator and a friend.”
Lewis, a resident of Eglon, had lived in Preston County since 1970. A graduate of Aurora High School, he was a graduate of Aurora High School and a member of the Army National Guard for 26 years. With a master’s electrician license, he was employed by Frontier Communications.
Lewis ran for the House of Delegates seat that covers portions of Preston and Tucker counties in 2016 when office-holder Randy Smith decided to make a run for the state Senate instead. He faced Democrat Al Tomson of Davis in the November election, and won the vote 3,592 to 2,647.
The district’s Republican executive committee will have up to 15 days from Lewis’ death to submit to Gov. Jim Justice the names of three potential replacements to serve out the rest of his term. Upon receiving that list, the governor will have five days to appoint a replacement.
