CHARLESTON, W.Va. (MetroNews) — Gov. Jim Justice has ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk Thursday at the Capitol Complex and in Preston and Tucker Counties in remembrance of Delegate Tony Lewis, who passed away earlier this week.
Lewis, a Republican from Preston County, died Sunday after a recurrence of cancer.
House Speaker Tim Armstead released a statement earlier this week, expressing sorrow about Lewis.
“Tony’s dedication and work ethic left a lasting impression on all of us who worked with him,” Armstead stated. “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.”
He served in the National Guard for 26 years and worked 18 years in coal mines. He was the small business owner of T & L Excavating and owned and operated a family beef farm.
He and his wife, Lyndia, were parents to five children and had two grandchildren.
“Tony was a true West Virginian and patriot,” Armstead stated. “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.”
Lewis was elected to the House of Delegates in 2016, representing portions of Preston and Tucker counties.
The district’s Republican executive committee will have up to 15 days from Delegate Lewis’s 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.