Lewis “Lew” Alfred Sleeman passed away in Mount Vernon, Ohio on July 23, 2022, following a brief illness. He was born on October 13, 1942, in Mount Vernon, the son of Mary Pipes Sleeman Whisman and Alfred Sleeman.

Lew grew up in Mount Vernon and was involved in musical activities from an early age. He played first trumpet in the Mount Vernon High School Marching Band, as well as being a member of the Mellow Jackets Jazz Band. Near the end of his high school career, he formed his own rock and roll band, the Furies.

After graduating high school in 1960 he continued performing in bands on weekends while working a fulltime job. He later relocated to the Cleveland area and became interested in acting. While in Cleveland he secured the lead role in the play Finian’s Rainbow. Shortly thereafter he proudly served in the United States Army.

Moving to Los Angeles in the early 1970’s he worked for Filmation Studios while developing his acting skills in a number of workshops and performances. He appeared in many TV commercials, movies, and television programs during his more than twenty-five years in California. His acting credits included an appearance in the second season premiere of the television show Paradise where he performed with Hugh O’Brian and Gene Barry as they reprised their roles of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. He also appeared with Diane Keaton and Ed Harris in the film Running Mates and took on the role of United States Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer in an episode of Picket Fences.

Lew relocated back to Mount Vernon in the 1990’s to be closer to family. In 2004, he was a finalist in the “Gimmie the Mic” talent competition in Columbus, Ohio and was the subject of a television news feature as the “singing cab driver” of Mount Vernon while being employed locally with MOTA.

Lew continued acting, receiving the Best Actor Award in 2017 at the Southern Ohio Film Festival for his sensitive portrayal of a man in the early stages of Alzheimer's in the film Little Ann, and in 2018 received the Best Actor Award at the Los Angeles Film Awards for his leading role in the indie feature film After.

Lew was the lead vocalist of the Kokosing River Surf Club Band in Mount Vernon for twelve years, and finished his singing career in 2021, performing the last five years as a member of the acoustic group Side Effects.

Lew’s greatest love and joy was for his two daughters, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, sister, brothers, nephews, and all of his extended family. He is survived by daughters Paige Black, Tawny (Al) Whicker, grandchildren Brady Black, Caden Whicker, Chloe Whicker, great-granddaughter Harper Black, sister Madeliene Delgouffre, brothers Bob, Richard, and Don (Brenda) Sleeman, and nephews Blake (Lauri) and Blaine Delgouffre. In addition to his parents, Lew was predeceased by his sister Judy Sleeman, stepmother Ruth Sleeman, and grand-nephew Dustin Delgouffre.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022, from 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM at the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home; 619 E. High Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  Music & Arts or donor’s choice. 

The Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Lewis “Lew” Alfred Sleeman. 

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