By Martial Arts Success Editor John Corcoran Coatesville, PA — Legendary world heavyweight karate and kickboxing champion Joe Lewis, the "Father of American Kickboxing," died at Coatesville Veterans Administration Medical Center here on the morning of August 31, 2012. Born on March 7, 1944, he was 68. Lewis succumbed to brain cancer after a valiant 13-month battle against the disease. Tests in mid-August showed the brain tumors had increased in size and the cancer had spread to his left shoulder and hip. According to Steve Snyder, a spokesman for Joe Lewis Fighting Systems, “ He had stated many times that he appreciates the outpouring of love and support he has received from around the world, which has helped him through this difficult time. ” A former U.S. Marine, Lewis will be buried in a military cemetery in his hometown of Raleigh, NC. He is survived by two children, Cameron and Christina.