Tony B. Lemos

Tony Lemos grew up in Riverside, CA in the vicinity of Arlington and Casa Blanca, CA. He attended school in Riverside and enjoyed studying. He completed grammar and middle school and then went on to Poly High School. Tony's parents decided to pull him out of school to get a job after his junior year. While working, he also attended continuation school part time, three days a week.

Tony was not very happy about being pulled from school, but he knew he had no choice because his family needed monetary help. His fondest memories of school were enjoying various subjects and taking a class in instrumental music. Tony's father bought him a violin and he learned to play it at an early age. He also learned to play the clarinet.

He was first hired at March Field Air Base and worked there for one year. He later applied at Mira Loma Quarter Master Depot and was hired there in the receiving department of the warehouse.

When he turned eighteen, he received his papers and was drafted into the army. The orders sent him to Fort McArthur and Camp Roberts in Salinas, CA for training. After completing boot camp, he was shipped overseas to Hawaii and then fought in Saipan and Okinawa in the Pacific in World War II.

During his years of Armed Service Tony continued supporting his parents monthly. When he returned home, he found that his dad was ill with a skin ailment on his arms. Tony's father was truly grateful for all of the help that he offered to his family in the times of need. In 1947, he decided to walk in his dad's footsteps and land a job at Riverside Cement Company. He worked there for forty-three years and never missed a day of work. He retired in June of 1989. Riverside Cement Company was very good to him. He was an active member of American Legion Post 155 for 22 years. He also served 20 years for Post 650 in Redlands. Tony was also a member of VFW in Colton, CA.

Tony and his wife Mary, of sixty-two years, had six children, twenty grandchildren, and thirty-three great grandchildren. Tony thanked God that his wife and him were able to raise their children comfortably and have enjoyed the time spent with their grandchildren.