SAR Honors Lewis Ewing with Grave Marking Ceremony in Winchester

On August 2, 2025, members of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) gathered at Mount Hebron Cemetery to honor the life and service of Lewis Ewing, a distinguished veteran, banker, and community leader. A solemn and patriotic grave marking ceremony was held to commemorate his contributions to his country and community.

Front row l. to r. Dale Corey, Chip Daniel, Jim Simmons, and Marshall DeHaven. Second row, l. to r. Brett Osborn, Ken Bonnel, Robert Shirley, Kelly Ford, Richard Tyler, Paul Christensen, Darrin Schmidt, Barry Schwoerer, Allan Phillip, David Carpenter, Marc Robinson, Bryan Buck, and Doug Hall.

Born in 1934 in Stephens City, Ewing lived a life rooted in service. After graduating from James Wood High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was deployed to Korea in November 1953. Serving as a Helicopter Crew Chief, he ferried supplies to the front lines and evacuated wounded soldiers to hospitals. After the Armistice, he remained for five additional months, assisting the United Nations mission during South Korea’s recovery.

After returning stateside, Ewing launched a long and successful career in banking. Over nearly five decades, he held senior roles and was deeply involved in the financial sector across Virginia. He served on the boards of the Virginia Bankers Association, Virginia Bankers Bank, and was both President and Chairman of the Virginia Association of Community Banks.

His dedication extended well beyond his career. Ewing was deeply involved in civic and veterans’ organizations, helping to found Chapter 313 of the Korean War Veterans Association, where he served as Commander and Treasurer. He was also active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and gave countless hours to causes supporting local youth, including leadership roles with the Boy Scouts of America, Winchester Little League, Dowell J. Howard Vocational School and the Lord Fairfax Community College Educational Foundation.

His commitment to community betterment also included roles with Shenandoah University, the Berryville/Clarke County Chamber of Commerce, Clarke County Ruritan Club, United Way, and the Winchester Kiwanis Club, among many others.

Ewing became a member of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter in 2015 and served as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, continuing his tradition of leadership and service.

Left to right – Michelle Phillips, Barry Schwoerer, Paul Christensen, Darrin Schmidt, and Doug Hall.

Saturday’s ceremony was emceed by Compatriot Dale Corey and featured a heartfelt tribute from Virginia Society SAR First Vice President Darrin Schmidt, who praised Ewing’s enduring legacy. A special SAR grave marker was unveiled by Chip Daniel, Reverend Jim Simmons, Doug Hall, and Mike Ewing. The event was also marked by the presentation of wreaths from several organizations, including:

• Darrin Schmidt, Virginia Society SAR
• Paul Christensen, President, CJWII Chapter
• Barry Schwoerer, President, Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter
• Michelle Phillips, Pack Horse Ford Chapter, DAR
• Doug Hall, Chapter 313 Korean War Veterans Association

The CJWII Color Guard, dressed in traditional Revolutionary War uniforms, presented the colors and delivered a musket salute, honoring Ewing’s memory with military precision and patriotic spirit. Members of the guard included Ken Bonnell, Bryan Buck, David Carpenter, Paul Christensen, Dale Corey, Chip Daniel, Kelly Ford, Doug Hall, Charles Hunter, Marc Robinson, Allan Phillips, Brett Osborn, Barry Schwoerer, Jim Simmons, and Richard Tyler.

The musket squad firing a commemorative salute. (Photos courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel.)

The event was a moving tribute to a man whose life embodied service, patriotism, and a deep commitment to others. Lewis Ewing’s legacy now stands among the honored at Mount Hebron, where future generations will remember his contributions to both his nation and his community.