Born and raised in Chicago, Lou developed a passion to compete. He was an intense competitor, and in his younger years, had an interest in baseball. According to long-time friend and teammate, Norman Leche, both he and Lou moved to Los Angeles in 1955 to play in the Negro Baseball League and the California Stockton Baseball League. Lou was also and avid bowler at the time, so the pair would often spend much of their spare time in bowling centers. As a result of his experiences with segregation and racism, he eventually channeled his interest to bowling with the National Bowling Association.

In his heyday, he came to be known as “the stroker” and one of leading contenders within the Los Angeles/Southern California bowling scene. He was a member the prestigious and exclusive Greater Los Angeles All Stars Traveling League, and at one point, a cardholder for both the local Pacific Coast Bowlers (PCB) and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA).

Many were unaware that Lewis was instrumental in developing the foundation of the Los Angeles Senate.  During the 60’s, he traveled the country participating in other TNBA events and eventually decided to take an active role with organizing the first senate meeting at Fremont High School back in 1969 with other founding senate members.  Lou’s single-handed membership recruitment drive helped propel the Senate into its current existence, and fathered several strong TNBA leagues along the way. To say the least, Lou was dedicated both as a bowling athlete, and as a promoter.

His performances on the lanes employed a rock solid textbook approach, follow through, and delivery that went unmatched by any challengers. Lou’s technique was revered by many who regularly took the opportunity to watch him compete, and his high-end pot game matches would usually lead his adversaries (often including visiting PBA bowlers) sent away licking their wounds!  Even at the age of 81, Lou remained completive, and despite having to learn to bowl with his left hand due to an accident that left him unable to use his right one to bowl.

Despite his fierce competitiveness on the lanes, he was a kindhearted individual. He had nothing but great things to say about anyone he came into contact with, and never once lost his temper or used profanity on or off the lanes.  Lou truly loved people and bowling, so much so that he took the time to mentor and teach other amateurs and juniors both the beginning and advanced techniques of the game.  He loved discovering emerging talent, and assisting enthusiastic athletes with improving their skills. The bowling community has suffered a great loss. He will be missed by the thousands of lives that he touched.

Funeral arrangements have been made for Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Church of Christ Devine Guidance located at 1518 Gramercy Place, Los Angeles CA 90019. Flowers may be sent to Simpson Mortuary 3443 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90305-2101. The Los Angeles Senate is also collecting donations to assist the Lewis family and funeral expenses. Checks should be made out and sent to: The Los Angeles Bowling Senate, P.O. Box 78698, Los Angeles CA 90016-0698 – clearly indicate that this is a donation for Lou Lewis family. For additional information you may call Dewann Clark of the L.A. Senate at 310-846-4599 x 222