Springfield real estate agent dies of cancer

A Springfield real estate agent who drew local and national attention to his fight with colon cancer died May 18. He was 45.

Drew Lewis, who had worked for Murney Associates, Realtors, became known through crowdfunding efforts and a Facebook page with nearly 3,900 likes. Missouri native Sheryl Crow also hosted a Springfield concert this year to raise money for his treatment.

“I am so grateful for the outpouring of concern and interest in Drew’s journey” said Amy Blansit, Drew’s wife and director of campus wellness and fitness at Drury University, in a news release. “The best way to honor his memory is to take care of yourself and your health. Get a colonoscopy.”

Memorial services have been scheduled for 4 p.m. on May 23 at King's Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S. Lone Pine Ave. Friends and family have been invited to meet at Metropolitan Grill after the service on Thursday, according to the Facebook page. The family is asking that memorial contributions be made to Lost and Found Grief Center.

According to his profile at Murney.com, Lewis graduated from Rogersville High School in 1986 and from the University of Missouri in 1991. He previously worked for more than a decade at CJR, and during his career, his sales totaled more than $150 million.