John Allen Lemons II of Aledo passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, August 5, 2024 at home in the arms of his wife of 56 years, Patsy Garner Lemons. He was 77.
Born and raised in Fort Worth, John accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 11 and was a member of Temple Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and was active in the youth group. He graduated from Trimble Tech High School in 1965 and joined the United States Air Force on August 5, 1966.
It was at Temple Baptist Church where he met the love of his life, Patsy Garner. They married on March 24, 1968, and built a beautiful life and family together with three cherished children, Kevin, Kim and Corey.
John served his country in the United States Air Force for three years six months, 27 days as a Sergeant. He was an aircraft instrument systems repairman for jets and all other aircraft and proudly served one tour in Vietnam at Phu Cat Air Base and Tan Son Nhut Air Base from February 27, 1969 – March 1, 1970. He was a hero and was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in combat. He continued to serve his country in the United State Air Force Reserves and retired as Master Sergeant in 1992. John worked from the time he was old enough to sweep a broom in his Dad’s cabinet shop. He held many jobs over the years and retired from the Defense Contract Management Agency in March of 2007.
John enjoyed singing in the church choir, had a love for classic cars and fixing them up (sometimes out of necessity) taking vacations with his family of five all over the country, visiting almost all 50 states and then after his retirement, traveling to many countries all over the world with his favorite travel companion, Patsy. He also loved Patsy’s cooking, Diet Coke, pancake syrup on cornbread, Blue Bell Homemade vanilla ice cream, cherry pie, chicken fried steak, and Kim’s chocolate chip cookies.
Nothing brought John more joy than his family and taking care of them. He never missed an opportunity to be a husband, father, father-in-law, or grandfather. He would offer or even show up to help with whatever task before you even had an opportunity to ask. He was known to his grandchildren as “Pops,” and showed up for all the grandkids activities along with “Gigi” and was their biggest cheerleaders. He was known for telling stories, cracking all the jokes, and quoting the best movie lines, carrying a comb in his back pocket for most of his life, giving hugs freely, and being able to fix just about anything and everything. Anyone that knew him really enjoyed him.
In addition to his devoted wife, Patsy, who lovingly and beautifully cared for him, John is survived by his son, Kevin Lemon; his daughter, Kimberly Thompson and her husband Carey Thompson and son, Corey Lemons and his wife Katie Lemons; grandchildren, Riley, Victoria, Juliet and Henry Thompson and Kelsey Lemons; sister, Judy Harper of Granbury and many In-Laws, Nephews, Nieces and Cousins.
A Memorial Service celebrating his life was held on August 11 at First Baptist Church of Saginaw. He was be laid to rest privately at the DFW National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that expressions of sympathy be made to your local church in pursuit of spreading the gospel message in your community.
The Community News
August 23, 2024
