Lewis Arthur Oxford, Sr.

Lewis Arthur Oxford, Sr., of Natick passed away peacefully at home on January 24, 2024, at the age of 97. With him was his beloved wife of over 70 years, Marjorie Elizabeth (Tibbetts) Oxford, who he first spotted sitting on a hill at a Christian summer camp in June 1952 and pursued until she said “yes.” In addition to his wife, Lew is survived by his three children, Susan R. Oxford (and husband Warren Craig), Lewis A. Oxford, Jr., and Judith Ann Oxford (and husband Matthew Montgomery), and his four grandsons, of whom he was especially proud and who were the loves of his life: Kyle and Cory Craig, and Shawn and Collin Montgomery. He was the cherished brother of the late Fred and Cyril Oxford and Winifred Whittemore, and he is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lew was born on January 31, 1927, Cambridge, MA, and grew up in Woburn. After graduating from Woburn High School, he spent two years in the Coast Guard (1944-1946), including a memorable trip across the Pacific on the U.S.S. General George M. Randall to bring American soldiers home from Japan after WW II ended. He earned undergraduate and master’s degrees from Tufts University and then spent 40 years as an educator, most of it at Wayland High School. During his career he taught math, PE, and music appreciation, coached football, and served as a guidance counsellor and Director of Guidance, helping students navigate high school and achieve their goals beyond graduation.

While working as an educator, Lew continued his military service in the Naval Reserve Intelligence Program, retiring in 1987 at the rank of Commander. He also remained active in the same Christian summer camp where he first spotted his wife Marjorie, and served as treasurer of the Massachusetts Christian Endeavor Union. He was a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir member at his beloved First Baptist Church in Natick; a team father for his son’s hockey teams; and a trustee at Lexington Christian Academy, where he later worked as a part-time guidance counsellor after retiring from Wayland High School. Following retirement, Lew and Marge began wintering in Venice, Florida, where they bowled, competed in bocce ball leagues, volunteered at the local hospital, and enjoyed the company of close friends from Natick and new friends from Venice.

Lew and Marge raised their children to be life-long Red Sox fans, and one of his greatest joys in his later years was watching the Red Sox play on TV. Win or lose, if a game was being aired, Lew was in front of the TV set.

While still working as an educator, Lew discovered that students listened more closely to the morning announcements when he delivered them in rhyme. In retirement, he began writing poems reflecting his strong religious beliefs and celebrating his wife, four grandsons, and other relatives and friends. His favorite poem, “The Best Friend Anyone Could Have,” was published in Poetry’s Elite: The Best Poets of 2000.

In addition to his professional achievements, Lew will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his wisdom, and his genuine concern for the well-being of others. He had a profound impact on the lives he touched, and his warm smile and compassionate heart will forever be cherished by those who knew him.

Lew’s family and friends will celebrate his life on Saturday, February 10, at 12:00 p.m. at Everett Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, Natick, with calling hours at the funeral home from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. the same day. He will be buried with military honors at the National Cemetery in Bourne the following Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Lew’s honor to The Home for Little Wanderers, Perkins School for the Blind, or Habitat for Humanity, three charities that Lew regularly supported.

For online guestbook and directions: everettfuneral.com

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