Dairus Dean Lewis, age 74, of Morehead, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Lexington.

He was born December 14, 1951, in Sandy Hook, Kentucky, a son of the late Fred Henry Lewis and Queenie Pauline Evans Lewis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Danny Lewis and Donnie Lewis.

Dairus is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Derek and Karen Lewis of Morehead; one grandson, Christian Lewis and wife Emily of Morehead; and one great-grandson, Boone Cefali.

Additional survivors include one brother, David Lewis and wife Ava of Bolckow, Missouri; two sisters, Marvina Reeves and husband Doug, and Marie Wilson and husband Roger, all of Lexington; along with many nieces and nephews.

Dairus proudly served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1971 to 1978. He was a retired corrections officer with the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex.

In his spare time, he enjoyed playing trivia games, working crossword puzzles, watching military and western movies, and cooking—a skill he proudly learned from his mother.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel, with his son Derek Lewis and Ray White officiating. Immediately following the service, Morehead American Legion Post 126 will present full military honors at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Derek Lewis, Christian Lewis, Alex Hill, Jarrod Caudill, Shaun Craft, Josh Parker, and Evan White.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, Kentucky 40351.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Rowan County Veterans Foundation, 204 E 2nd Street, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com