The family of Lewis Kerlovich, age 86, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their Hero and the family from the church to the cemetery for his military honors, we would be honored to do so.
He was the son of a coal miner from Superior, WY but he was born on the kitchen floor in Oak Creek, CO. He grew up in Rock Springs, WY. “Lew”, as he was known by his friends, which included the Ride Captain, Brian Zane, entered eternity with his Lord on September 1, 2020 at his home in Barstow, CA with his wife of 65 years Dorothy by his side. He told her he was sleepy, put his head back and at that moment “his soul flew to Heaven”. She covered him with his favorite Marine Corps blanket because “he hated the cold”.
Upon graduation from Rock Springs HS Lew attended college for one year then decided to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1953. He spent his whole enlistment period in California stationed in San Diego, San Francisco and of course Barstow. He achieved the rank of Sergeant prior to his honorable discharge in 1957.
Following his time in the Corps, Lew completed his college education in engineering. The Marine became an aeronautical engineer for Aerojet General for ten years designing rockets for NERVA , Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application. The project was meant to propel ballistic missiles and rockets to Mars but was cancelled by President Richard Nixon.
Lew returned to Barstow in 1973 to buy a liquor store from his wife's step dad. The Marine rocket scientist with a genius mind spent his final working years as a simple man, store owner, fathering 3, a son Mike, and daughters Carleen and Linda. His pastimes included camping with the family, fishing, “tinkering” and service work for the city. He was a Lions club member.
Brian Zane says "I will remember Lew for his quick wit and humor not realizing until now that he had a rocket mind. He lived across the street from my daughter and her family and they became great neighbors."
The neighborhood won’t be the same without the good old man on the corner.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church services to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
Time table for Tuesday, 15 SEP 2020:0745 - Stage at Meads Mortuary 36930 Irwin Rd, Barstow (
https://goo.gl/maps/wDnvnGJC7Uq3MsNz9)
0800 - Accompany Hero and family to parking lot behind St Joseph School, 505 E Mountain View St, Barstow, CA 92311 (
https://goo.gl/maps/ryRr1JGdovEcoYb96). (Because of the pandemic the mass must be held outside. Bring water)
0900 - Mass for our Hero
1000 - Approx KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (
https://goo.gl/maps/8kjQpwZXjrrY5Z1B9)
1115 - Approx arrival at RNC (Staging for family unknown, staging for PGR North of #8)
1200 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
Weather is expected to remain very warm. Keep yourself hydrated.R/C Brian Zane
“Spyderman”
SoCal PGR Ride Captain760-953-9915
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
