Dr. Melvin Lewis, a long-time resident of Leimert Park, passed away on March 7. He was 72 years old.
A medical doctor and surgeon, Lewis practiced in facilities around the world and later in life, formed the Los Angeles Family Medical Clinic as well as three more health centers in L.A.
A celebration of life service is set for Friday, April 15, at 1 p.m., at Angelus Funeral Home, 3875 South Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles.
Dr. Lewis was born June 12, 1943 in New Orleans to Anna Bell Adams and Clarence Charles Lewis, Sr. A bright and intelligent child, he learned to read at age 3 and was advanced a grade in elementary school. While still a youngster, Melvin’s mother predicted that he would become a doctor.
Following high school graduation, Melvin attended Virginia Union and Howard University. He moved to Gothenburg, Sweden, where he attended the University of Gothenburg and received a Master’s Degree in May 1972. Six years later, Melvin was admitted to the medical school at the University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy. In 1985, he graduated with a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery degree and worked as a clinic physician at Norra Hospital in Lund, Sweden and Malmo General Hospital in Malmo, Sweden.
Melvin completed specialty training in Neurology and General Psychiatry. His practices included child and adult psychiatry, neurology and family practice Also, he received training at St. Orsala Hospital in Bologna, Italy, St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, and Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center. In addition, Melvin studied the art of acupuncture in China.
He was a member of the American Academy of Anti Aging, the European Society of Anti Aging Medicine, the American Psychiatric Association, the National Medical Association, the California Association of Neurologists and the American Academy of Neurologists.
Melvin loved to travel and learn about other cultures. He made multiple visits to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and last February, he went to Cuba. He was fluent in Swedish, Italian and German and could communicate in Spanish. He also enjoyed music and dancing.
Melvin was preceded in death by his brother, Clarence; stepmother, Ann Jo Willis Lewis; and parents, Anna Bell Adams Lewis Jordan and Bishop Clarence C. Lewis, Sr.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Katherine; son, Melvin; daughters, Aisha and Amanda Franzen (Peter Thorell); grandson, Fabian; granddaughter, Margot; brother, Nelson Lewis; sisters, Genevieve (Leon) Morales, Geraldine (John) Levy, Garnet Jackson, Carolyn (Albert) Rhea, Ursula (Herbert) Guynes, and Angele (Ruben) Chang-Williams; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.