Lawrence Austin Lemke

Lawrence A. "Bud" Lemke, 90, left his family January 20th. In celebration of his life, they invite you to join them at the Yuma County Fairgrounds Show Arena, Tuesday, January 24th at 1pm. Come casual and wear colors that represent his years of involvement - green for 4-H, blue for FFA, or red for Kofa High. A viewing will be held Monday, January 23rd from 5-7pm at Johnson Mortuary.

A dedicated family man; always willing to lend a helping hand; community minded; a man of his word: these are just a few of the wonderful qualities that exemplify Bud Lemke. Born in a tent and weighed in on an old vegetable scale, Bud was born on a farm in 1921 in Westmoreland, CA . His parents, Lawrence and Mae and sister, Clara Jane moved to Placentia, CA where he attended elementary and high school. A born leader, Bud was very active in FFA and was Student Body President of Valencia High School. His college experience was at Cal-Poly Pomona.

In 1942, Bud married Justine, his wife of 69 years. While on their honeymoon at Big Bear, he was called to active duty and served in the Coast Guard. He returned to Yorba Linda, CA where he worked as a lineman and had a small farm. In 1952, Bud was one of 27 names drawn for a homestead in Yuma where he moved his family to turn 160 acres of desert into alfalfa and then citrus.

Bud became very involved in the Yuma Community along with enjoying his kids, Larry, Janice, and Susie's many activities. In fact, he and Justine continued to be avid fans for all local sporting events.

4-H was a huge part of Bud's life for over 55 years. He helped start the Yuma Mesa Jackrabbits 4-H Club and assisted with the county program in many capacities. A member of FFA in his youth, Bud continued to support the program as an adult and was awarded the Honorary State Farmer Degree. He was an honorary FFA member and an honorary member of the Junior Livestock Committee.

Over the years, Bud served on the Yuma Union High School Board of Education, the El Toro Foundation, Yuma County Fair Commission and Board where he served as President. He helped start Trinity Methodist Church and donated time and energy to support youth baseball, Arizona Western College and the high schools of Yuma, especially sports. You could always find Bud and Justine at a sporting event with Kofa being #1.

Besides his three children, Larry (Katie) Lemke, Janice (David) Shelton, Susie (Jodie) King, Bud was very proud of his six grandchildren (Laura Lemke Finley, Scott Shelton, Christopher Shelton, Joey King, Tara King Loew, and Justin King). His latest pride was three great-grandchildren, Derek, Clara, and Austin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Yuma County 4-H Camp Fund, Checks should be made to Yuma County 4-H and mailed to 2200 W. 28th Street, Suite 102, Yuma, AZ 85364.

Published in The Yuma Sun on January 22, 2012

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma, AZ.