E. Tunison, Lewis

TRUMANSBURG-

Lewis E "Buster" Tunison, age 82, of 66 Hector Street, Trumansburg, was surrounded by his family as he passed away on Saturday evening, July 9, 2005, at the Cayuga Medical Center. Lewis had fought a courageous battle against cancer for ten years.

Born in Hector, New York on June 14, 1923, Lewis was the son of Frank A and Gyda M (Hymes) Tunison. He graduated from the Trumansburg High School in 1940 and entered the U.S. Army in 1943. Initially assigned to the Army Air Corps, Lewis was later reassigned to the Army Signal Corps. He served overseas in the European Theater with the 3163rd Signal Service Company whose mission was to set-up and maintain a radio relay network across France and Germany to support the advance of the U.S. Army. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1946.

Lewis was employed by GE for almost 10 years before accepting a position at Cornell University. He enjoyed working as a technician in the Wilson Lab Synchrotron at Cornell for 20 years, retiring in June of 1985.

He was a member of the Trumansburg United Methodist Church and was known throughout the community for his kindness, gentle manner and warm smile. He looked for the good in every situation and was always willing to help. Lewis's positive, upbeat attitude was a source of encouragement to those around him.

In addition to his parents, Lewis was preceded in death by a brother, Franklin H. Tunison. He is survived by his wife, of 61 years, Jean (Wiggins) Tunison; one son, Michael L Tunison of Conesus; one daughter, Susan J (Charles) Ingalls of Dryden; five grandchildren, Nickolas J Bucci of Cortland, Michael A Tunison of Holley, Matthew D Tunison of Rochester, Jennifer M Tunison of Rochester, and Kyle V Tunison of Rochester and four great-grandchildren.

In keeping with his wishes, graveside services at the Grove Cemetery in Trumansburg will be private.

Contributions in Lewis's memory may be directed to the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 628, Trumansburg, NY 14886, the American Cancer Society, 31 Adams Ave., Endicott, NY 13760, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446. www.ness-sibley.com.