Andrew Franklin Lewis was born in Dallas on July 1st, 1992 to Mark and Linda Lewis but had lived in Denton since he was fifteen months old. This was his home, and he died here on September 8th, 2016 at the age of twenty-four.

He is survived by his son, Rylen William Lewis of Denton, his parents, Mark and Linda Lewis also of Denton, his sister Amy Anderson and her husband Lewis Anderson of Houston, Texas, his brother Michael Lewis of Mabank, Texas, and his maternal grandparents, David and Iris Crawford of Copperas Cove, Texas, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. Clayton Lewis, his sister Megan Ann Lewis and his aunt Cheryl Lewis.

Although Andrew battled the demons of depression, addiction and mental illness for years, he had a compassionate heart, a quick wit and a good sense of humor as well as a keen intelligence. Though he often felt that he was alone, his death has revealed how many friends he had. He gave unconditional love to his son Rylen, and of late had been making progress in his long road to sobriety and wellness. His death was a shock to his family and created a void that cannot be filled.

Andrew was brave, courageous and tough. He was protective of the weak probably because he knew, better than most, that life is often unfair. But, he persevered and did the best he could. Not many days before his death he told his mother "You don't know how hard I'm trying to make it," and we will never know how much he suffered in the course of his life's journey.

Thankfully, he is at peace. Recently, he read the Bible from cover-to-cover and told his mom that he planned to go back to church. His family takes great comfort from both.

A funeral service to celebrate his short life, and to permit his family to say goodbye, will be held at DeBerry Funeral Home, 2025 West University in Denton at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 to be followed by a private interment service at Roselawn Cemetery.

As to contributions in his memory, we believe that Andrew would most appreciate it if each parent or grandparent who reads this obituary will immediately hug his or her children and grandchildren, and thereafter love them unconditionally and be there for them, no matter what. Those who wish to make a monetary contribution in Andrew's memory may do so to any charity of their choice which assists children.