The longest serving Mayor in the history of Mt. Vernon has died at the age of 81. Rolland Lewis passed away at his home Saturday morning at the age of 81. Lewis was first elected as Mayor in 1969 and completed two four year terms. After eight years out of office, Lewis returned for three more terms as Mayor before being defeated in 1997 by Mark Terry. Lewis was Mayor when General Tire announced it was locating in Mt. Vernon and was in office as many major construction projects were completed in the city, including Times Square Mall, the Veterans Memorial Park swimming pool, the Rolland Lewis Community building, two city fire stations and the expansion of Broadway from two to five lanes. Lewis also founded and served as the first President of the Southern Illinois Mayor's Association in 1990. Funeral services for Rolland Lewis are incomplete at the Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. 6BT4x
