Jarrod Anthony Lewis

Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Jarrod Lewis was a vibrant and fun loving young man who lived life to the fullest each day. He was kindhearted, generous, and forgiving with an optimistic spirit that was truly inspiring to those around him. Jarrod was blessed with many gifts and talents, but he was a humble person who was never boisterous in his accomplishments. He had a glow about him, a certain sparkle and an approachable demeanor that drew others near with ease. A leader not a follower, Jarrod wasnt afraid to be his own person, and through the choices he made he provided other young people with much to aspire for. With so much love left to give, Jarrod leaves behind a priceless collection of memories created with his family and friends.

The 1990s were a decade to remember. Technology was king, the world wide web was born, and personal computers and cellular phones became part of the cultural fabric of our nation. Friends, That 70s Show, and Baywatch were popular shows on television while the Dallas Cowboys dominated much of the decade in the NFL. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1992 that was filled with great joy in Warsaw, Indiana, on May 18th as a beautiful baby boy named Jarrod Anthony was born. He was one of three children raised by his parents, Jack Kenneth and Crystal Mourning (Lewis) Funnell, and he lived in the family home alongside his siblings, Austin and Alexis. He was particularly close to his sister.

From an early age Jarrod had the world by its tail. He was full of adventure and never one to be still with an ever-changing list of interests. He was part of a brotherly rivalry for so many years, and it has been said that he got dirty biting, scratching, and cheating. Jarrod loved things like big wheels, go-karts, and big slides as well as their annual trip to the water park. He also looked forward to family vacations down South where they visited extended family members. Jarrod was interesting, enthusiastic, and caring with numerous friends throughout his life as he could be friends with anybody and everybody. He was an all around lovable character who saw the good in everyone. Jarrod never hesitated to give second, third, and even fourth chances as well.

If you knew Jarrod, you knew that he was a sports fanatic, and both wrestling and football were his passions. He started playing football at a young age as he was mentored by his stepfather who was also his coach. Jarrod attended local schools including Whitko High School where he was a four time varsity wrestler, two time conference champ, and a semi-state qualifier as well. He was also a member of the FCCLA. In addition, Jarrod played on his high schools varsity football team for two years and was their team captain as well as an all conference and all area player. In fact, Jarrod was headed to a Division II college to play football after having graduated from high school in 2010. He was a Baltimore Ravens fan but had an all around love for the game.

Everyone who met Jarrod Lewis would agree that he had a zest for life that was contagious. He wasnt one to focus on following the crowd or doing what was cool, rather, he was all about being true to himself and the things he believed in. Jarrod was always up for having a good time, and he had a special presence about him that all could see whether his teachers, fellow students, or complete strangers. He loved funky tunes and old school rap, but his true passion was for sports. Jarrod will never be forgotten.

Jarrod Anthony Lewis, age 22, of Pierceton, Ind. passed away at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015 at his home.Born on May 18, 1992 in Warsaw, he was the son of Jack Kenneth and Crystal Mourning (Lewis) Funnell.

He graduated from Whitko High School with the Class of 2010. Jarrod loved football, and was the Captain of Whitko Football Team and a wrestler for Whitko and member of the FCCLA.
Survivors include his parents, Jack K. and Crystal M. Funnell of Pierceton;brother,Austin Striggle of Fort Wayne; sister, Alexis Funnell; nephew, Brantlee William Scott Striggle of Fort Wayne; maternal grandmother, Lassie Lewis of Pierceton; paternal grandparents, Jim and Darlene Sparks of Pierceton; paternal grandfather, Chane Funnell of Warsaw; maternal great grandmother, Betty Lewis of Pierceton; several aunts, uncles and cousins.He was preceded in death by his great young friend Savannah Labenz.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, 2015 from 1-8:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at the funeral home with Pastor Mark Pratt and Bennie Allen Rose. Committal service and burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jarrod to the Lewis Family for final expenses.Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.