He was born in Pueblo, Colorado in 1929 to Hugh and Ruth Lemons, along with 2 siblings, Bill and Judy. Roy graduated from Glenwood High School in 1947 as valedictorian of his class and served in the United States Army in the Pentagon and with the FBI from 1948 to 1952.
Roy married JoAnn Rashleigh, the love of his life, in 1953, and moved to Fremont. They had 3 sons, Tom, Doug, and Bryan and Bryan's 2 daughters , Alisha and Casey. Doug died in 2011, and JoAnn, a victim of the Hotel Pathfinder explosion, is a resident of Merrick Manor.
Throughout their lives in Fremont, they were both avid community supporters. Roy and JoAnn joined the First Methodist Church choir in 1954 and Roy was still singing in late November. Roy also served on numerous community and church committees, including the Fremont City Council for 23 years, many of those years as president.
He will be missed by everyone and was blessed to be loved by so many wonderful friends and family. His character and integrity were absolute and beyond reproach, and he will be remembered as a loving, dedicated husband, a caring and responsible father and a sincere and loving friend.
Survivors include: his wife JoAnn
sons - Tom and fiancee' Vicki Lemons of Elkhorn
Bryan Lemons of Maryville, Missouri
2 granddaughters Alisha and husband Nathan Claycamp and Casey Lemons
brother - Bill and wife Muriel Lemons of Harlan, Iowa
sister Judy Michael of Humboldt, Iowa
The funeral service will be 10 AM Saturday, January 12, 2013, in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Michael McGregor. The committal will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Military Honors will be rendered by the Fremont Honor Guard of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854. Memorials are being accepted by the family to be given to the First United Methodist Church Choir in his honor. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel will be on Friday from 2 to 8 PM, with the family present from 6 to 8 PM.
online guestbook @ www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences(22)
Debi Steinmeyer
North Platte, NE Monday, January 28, 2013 Mom (Lucille Polak) received a letter from Carol Johnstone (Olive's daughter) today (1/28/13) telling her of Roy's passing. Since Mom can no longer see well enough to read, I read the letter to her, and we both cried when we learned about Roy. Mom said he was always her "ray of sunshine". I enjoyed getting to know him during the past 2 years...what a wonderful wonderful man. We are keeping all of you close in our hearts and sending our deepest sympathy.BobandJeanMiller
Durango, CO Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Tom and Bryan, Needless to say, when we got your call that your Dad had passed away we were so devestated. Your Dad and I had been friends since 1947 when he lived with us in Council Bluffs, Ia at my parent's home. Over the years we shared many wonderful memories. Hardly know which to write here. Never forget the evening JoAnn and your Dad tried to convince Jean she should marry me. She said, "no way." Well; here we are 55 years later.So enjoyed your Dad's trips to Durango, Co when he was out here "jeeping."
Is "Old Man River" one of your favorite songs like your Dad's. And, like that "Lazy Old River" we'll just go along until that time we meet again when our Lord welcomes us home.
Bob and Jean Miller
Renee Collins Held
Columbus, NE Tuesday, January 15, 2013 Peace be with all of you in this difficult time. My mom, Barbara Collins so much enjoyed your family as neighbors when she lived on "Garfield" street. Your mom and dad were always helpful and supportive of her.Losing a parent is difficult. Keep their spirit alive in your memories. They are always with you then.
Steve & Tami Hall
Fremont, NE Friday, January 11, 2013 Bryan & Family So sorry to hear about your dad.Keep all the great memories in your heart & remember the great promise of Jesus Christ.Your friends allways Steve & tamiJon Montgomery
Cozad, NE Friday, January 11, 2013 I was acquainted with Roy thru the Nebraska Alfalfa Dehydrators Assoc. We will miss him, too. Our condolences to his family. We will miss him, too.Marvin Hoskey
Maryville, MO Thursday, January 10, 2013 I was at your shop today and heard the news. I am sorry for your loss and will hold you and your family in my prayers.Brandon Boles
Maryville, MO Thursday, January 10, 2013 Bryan,I'm really sorry about your loss, I'm thinking of you and your family through these difficult times. See you when I get back from Texas.
Rex Wallace
Maryville, MO Thursday, January 10, 2013 Bryan,Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rex
Evert & Barb Falkena
North Platte,, NE Thursday, January 10, 2013 We always enjoyed visiting with Roy when he came to North Platte. He will be missed by his family and many, many friends.Jim Chrisman
Fremont, NE Thursday, January 10, 2013 I am very sorry to hear of your loss, Tom. Peace be with you. JimJulie Nicholson
Broken Bow, NE Thursday, January 10, 2013 Tom, Vicki, Brian and family.......my thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Roy was a wonderful man and I am blessed to have known him. With Love, JulieJim Nicholson
Willmar, MN Wednesday, January 9, 2013 Tom,Sorry to learn of the death of your father. There were many a Sunday he blessed us with his voice. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim
Fred & Lora Robertson
Maryville, MO Wednesday, January 9, 2013 We will miss your wonderful smile and our good visiting time. May your cuise through heaven be smooth sailing, with warm breezes and lovely scenery.Jane (MJ) Stoltenberg
Harlingen (Winter only), TX Wednesday, January 9, 2013 I am sorry to hear about Roy. My sincere sympathy to you and your Mother. I enjoyed their friendship when I lived in Fremont and after. Appreciated your Dad's update on Joann over the past yrs. Never saw him without a smile!In my thoughts & prayers. Jane
Janice Brower Hirst
Omaha, NE Wednesday, January 9, 2013 My deepest sympathy to Roy's family. We knew him as "Leroy" back in our high school days and have many good memories of those times. He will be missed.Mitchell Bellucci
, MA Wednesday, January 9, 2013 So sorry for your loss. I don't think I've ever met Roy, but I have had the pleasure to be a friend of Tom's for over 30 years. Like his dad he is a great friend, dedicated, and generous. Didn't know Tom got his singing voice from his dad. Me and Brooks, my SO, send our love and prayers.Sincerely, Dr Mitchell Bellucci
Marv & Jackie Domina
Coleridge, NE Wednesday, January 9, 2013 Our sincere sympathy to JoAnn and family--we remember the good times we had at Dehy conventions.Marv & Jackie
Coleridge Dehy, Inc.
S. Elaine
, TX Tuesday, January 8, 2013 My deepest condolences over your loss. Mr. Lemons will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who loved him. May those loving memories bring you strength, comfort and peace. May the God of tender mercies and comfort soothe the sorrow in your heart. 2Corinthians 1:2-4. My deepest condolences. Revelation 21:3,4; Matthew 5:5.Gregg Kupfer
Omaha, NE Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Grew up with both Doug and Tom. Great guys. Mr. Lemons was always a well respected person. Doug and Tom both displayed Roy's great sense of humor. I'm sure my brother Pud is enjoying Doug and Roy's company in heaven. Respectfully-KupDeb Dolphin
Oswego, IL Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Thank you for all you taught me and for all you did for me. I was so fortunate to have you as my Uncle. I love you so much and will miss you terribly. But I will smile often remembering all of the laughs we shared.Jane Voorhies
Fremont, NE Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Roy always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. Very blessed that he was a part of our church family. Deepest sympathies. JaneBill & Muriel Lemons
Harlan, IA Saturday, January 5, 2013 We will miss you brother