MOUNT VERNON – Lewis “Lew” Alfred Sleeman passed away in Mount Vernon on July 23, 2022, following a brief illness. He was born on Oct. 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 full-time 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 1970s, 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 25 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 1990s 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 12 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 and Tawny (Al) Whicker; grandchildren Brady Black, Caden Whicker and 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 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home; 619 E. High St., Mount Vernon, OH 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.
