"Let people be who they are and don't let them effect you in a negative way,"  a philosophy Lewis lived by.  He never wanted to change anyone.  He served in the Air Force toward the end of the Korean War and was stationed in Japan.  He spent the majority of his life helping people as a parole officer, counselor and then managing a program for troubled children and youth with the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services.  He was the strong silent type who had a sense of humor and sharp wit.  This little poem he wrote is an example, "Hey dilly dilly, a cat and his filly, the two beneath the moon.  All dressed up in his little red sport, a teaching his dish how to spoon."  He was respected and put his heart into everything he did.

Lewis Jennings Vass died peacefully at home at the age of 85 after a diagnosis of melanoma lung and brain cancer.  He is survived by his wife, Shelby Vass of Clearwater, Florida and was a loving father to Greg and Debbie Vass of Clearwater, Florida and St.Petersburg, Florida, respectively.  He is also survived by his sister Susie Fisher of Morgantown, West Virginia, and further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Honoring his request, there will be no funeral services.  We ask that friends and family post their condolences and memories of Lew on this site as a way to remember and celebrate his life.  

Through this experience we relied on resources we never gave thought to before.  One such resources was the xxxx.  Instead of sending flowers to the family, please consider making a donation to this valuable and needed service at www.