Rochester businessman, Maurice "Mooch" Lewis,  65, passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2026 at his home.

On October 25, 1960, Mooch was born in Warsaw.  He was a treasured son of Elmer and Jeanette Magazine Lewis, the youngest of a quartet of the Lewis sons.  Growing up near Akron, he shared his childhood with Sid, Kim and Mike.   Mooch got his nickname from a Disney TV movie "Moochie of the Little League" that came out just a year prior to his birth and was watched by his three brothers. His Aunt Alice still calls him Moochie.  He graduated from Tippecanoe Valley High School with his class in 1979.  Mooch grew up learning the ins and outs of scrap metal business with his father at Lewis Salvage Company of Akron. He developed a strong work ethic and was passionate about the work of his dad and immediately joined the family business after high school.  Mooch also enjoyed making memories with his dad go-kart racing.

On December 10, 1998, after a lengthy courtship, Mooch married the love of his life and best friend Miss Barbara Sue Smith.  They enjoyed over 27 years of life's adventures.  Over the years, Mooch and Barb cultivated and grew the metal salvage business. They continued to work together as a dynamic team until their passings.

Barb and Mooch loved being near the water and soaking up the sun.  They cruised the waters of Lake Manitou and watched the beautiful sunsets during the summer from their pontoon or deck.  In the earlier years they both were avid water skiers.  The winter months brought on their time together in the Florida Keys.  At home Mooch was an amazing grill master, preparing dinner for  Barb many evenings.

Mooch is lovingly remembered by his son, Jason Grube and wife Kelly of Culver and their sons, Max Richard Grube, Myles Kelly Grube, and daughter Eddi Grace Grube;  three brothers: Sid Lewis and wife Yvonne of Bradenton, FL,  Mike Lewis of Warsaw, Kim Lewis and wife Shelly of Noblesville.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive including Justin Lewis and daughters Rhiannon and Gwendolyn; Tyler Lewis and wife Michelle, and sons Cameron and Michael; Paige Martin, and sons Quinn and Gavin, and daughter Ruby; Abby Tomcsi and husband Jason, and daughter Lydia, and son Benjamin; Elizabeth (Liz) Lewis-Clark and husband Anthony; Michael Lewis and wife Sarah, and sons Rooney, Calahan, and Granger; and Cary Lewis and wife Alli; and his sister-in-law Linda L. Kamp of Rochester.

Preceding Mooch in death are his parents Elmer and Jeanette Lewis; sister-in-law Rita Lewis; and his treasured canine Harley, the 17-year old silver  miniature Schnauzer.

A celebration of life for Maurice "Mooch" Lewis will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 6th from 4:00pm-7:00pm and prior to Saturday's service beginning at 11:00am.  A private family burial will follow in Rochester's IOOF Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made  in Mooch's memory to assist our fire departments for the purchase of Carbon Monoxide Detectors : Rochester Fire Department, 2006 East State Road 14,, Rochester, IN 46975; Akron Fire Department, 206 W Rochester St, Akron, IN 46910; Warsaw Fire Department, 102 S Buffalo Street, Warsaw, IN 46580;  or to the Congregation Achduth Vesholom, 5200 Old Mill Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46807.