Memorial services for Lewis "Lew" Vail, 80, of Onalaska, Texas, will be held Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Onalaska, Texas with Rev. Jimmy Calvert officiating. Military Honors will be provided by VFW Post #8568. Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery in Onalaska, Texas.

Mr. Vail was born June 9, 1938 in New York City, New York to parents, Charles Edward Vail and Evelyn D. Carolan, and passed away August 5, 2018 in Lufkin, Texas. During his life, he graduated from Port Jefferson High School Class of 1955. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1955 until 1958. Once Lew's enlistment from the Army was complete, he enrolled at the NYU College of Business – Pre-law. In 1963, he was offered a position as Supervisor at the Vivarium Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Lew held this position until 1967 when he became a corporate officer/controller for Intertect Inc. in Houston. Lew was with Intertect Inc. until 1994 when he took a disability retirement. After his retirement, Lew began his public service career in Onalaska where he served on many boards which included: serving more than 20 years as a member of the Onalaska City Council, serving 7 years on the Onalaska Independent School Board, serving 8 years on the Polk County Appraisal District, serving on the Onalaska Public Library Board, serving as Secretary/Treasurer for the Greater Onalaska Chamber of Commerce, and serving on the Kids Free Clothing Board. In May 2004, Lew served as Mayor of Onalaska. In addition, he was also a member of the Great Onalaska Heritage Society for more than 12 years, served on CASA, served as Chairman for the Polk County Crime Stoppers, and served as President of the Local AARP. He was also very active in Lions International since May of 1973. Lew served as one of 16 Governors in Texas from 1999 until 2000, but he served more than 16 years on cabinet level boards and served as President of the Lions Eye Bank of Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 39+ years, Barbara Vail; and his 3 favorite fur babies, Tex, Bubba and Heidi.

He is survived by his son, Jim Vail of Pensacola, Florida; daughter, Ana Vail-Williams of Santa Clara, California; daughter, Janet Fisher of San Jose, California; son, Christian B. Vail and Barbara Stone of San Jose, California; sister, Maddie Carolan of Thurmont, Maryland; granddaughter, Joyce Williams of Chandler, Arizona; granddaughter, Anastasia Pankau and husband, Stuart of Austin, Texas; granddaughter, Lauren Pankau of Garden Grove, California; grandson, Max Pankau of Urbana, Illinois; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Lew had many, many wonderful and special friends. A special mention to Roy and Sherry Newport, who were more like family than friends; along with his family from the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lew's honor to the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department, 181 Old Groveton Rd., Onalaska, Texas 77360 or to the Polk County SPCA at 802 S. Houston Ave., Livingston, Texas 77351.

Honorary Pallbearers: Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department, City of Onalaska Employees, Lions Club District 2-51, Onalaska Chamber of Commerce, Onalaska Independent School Board Members – Past and Present

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com .