Robert i 'buss' lewis

Robert Lewis, mostly known as Buster or Bus, peacefully passed at the New York State Veteran's Home on January 29, 2021 at the age of 96. He was born on Washington Street in Oxford in the Cooper House on October 9, 1924 to Lawrence and Alta Lewis. He was predeceased by his brother George, two sisters, Pauline and Laura and daughter-in-law Susan Barrows Lewis. He married Katherine Brigham on January 3, 1946. They had four children: Lawrence Lewis and Diane, Colleen Fagnani and Ken, Chris Lewis and Eileen, and Terri and Jim McCue. He had ten grandchildren: Jeremiah, Lewis Black, Daniel, Jim, Aaron, Rachel, Luke, Jess, Kyle and Allison. He also has eight great- grandchildren. Bus was happiest when he was spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Buster lived his entire life in Oxford and Guilford. He loved sharing memories from his younger years. The flood of 1935, Opera House fire, town team sports games, Clark Stone Quarry works, businesses that have come and gone and people and families he knew of. He graduated from Oxford Academy in 1942. In 1943, Buster joined the army. He trained as a pilot but served as a truck driver. He traveled to Japan, Australia, Manila and sailed through the Panama Canal. When he returned, he worked on the O&W Railroad and then for Emerson Company as a plumber and oil burner sales and service man. In 1975, he bought Emerson Company and was joined by his sons working as Emerson and Lewis Company.
In his younger years, Buster played basketball, baseball, track, and football. He was a volunteer fireman from the age of 16 to 65, a member of a bowling team, and a member of the Oxford Hunt Club. He played cards monthly with friends and enjoyed golfing. He enjoyed going to watch his grandchildren's activities. He also enjoyed watching birds at the feeders and trying to keep the squirrels out.
Buster and his wife Kate were married for 64 years. During that time, they enjoyed many trips together. She would work right beside him with his many projects. They were a good match. Kate passed in 2010. After she had passed, Bus reunited with an old high school girlfriend, Martha Genereux. They lived happily together until she passed in 2017.
Buster lived his last year at the NYS Veterans Home where he received wonderful care.
Buster lived a good life. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Behe Funeral Home Inc. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Riverview Cemetery, Albany street, oxford. Donations in his memory may be made to the Oxford American Legion Fort Hill Post 376.