SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - Lewis Allen Kooden, 80, of Savannah, Georgia, husband of Barbara Rabhan Kooden, died peacefully Tuesday evening, April 19, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice Savannah.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, he was a son of the late Allen Lewis Kooden and the late Jean Brensley Kooden. Lew was a member of Congregation Bnai Brith Jacob and the Jewish Educational Alliance. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran having served in the Korean Conflict. Lew founded Alko Distributors, a wholesale beer and wine distributor, in 1947. He sold his company and retired in 1998. Lew was an avid golfer and a member of the Savannah Golf Club. He was a board member and past treasurer of the former Savannah Hebrew Day School. Lew was a past chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Commission, was a member of the Georgia Democratic Party, and was active in several of Savannah’s mayoral races. “Papa”, as he was affectionately known by his grandchildren, was well loved by his family, friends and those who came in contact with him.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Barbara Rabhan Kooden of Savannah, Georgia; two daughters, Fran Kooden Harrell and her husband, Edward, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jan Kooden Feehley and her husband, George, of Savannah, Georgia; one son, Michael Kooden and his wife, Joanne, of Savannah, Georgia; six grandchildren, Aaron, Ross, Elliot, Abigail, Annie and Eddie; one sister, Doris Klugman of Savannah, Georgia, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon at the graveside, Bonaventure Cemetery, conducted by Rabbi Avigdor Slatus.

Remembrances: Congregation Bnai Brith Jacob – 5444 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31405 or Rambam Day School – 5111 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31405 or Hospice Savannah - Post Office Box #13190, Savannah, Georgia 31416-0190.