Jerry Dee Lemons

Jerry was born at home in Purcell Ok. Jerry with his family lived in Blanchard, OK until nine years of age. His family traveled out West to look for farm work. The dust bowl had taken on hard times for farmers, and many had to move their families to find work. Jerry’s family settled in Buckeye, Arizona. Jerry farmed cotton alongside his dad, uncles, brothers, and cousins. Jerry has passed down some great stories from his growing up years. This story in particular was fun to share. The story goes, all the men, and boys were gathered around a barrel keeping warm from the rain, they heard the radio come on from the house. Grandad tells one of the younger boys to go listen to the weather and come back with a report about the rain. In a few minutes the boy returns, and grandad asks, so is it going to rain tomorrow? The young boy said yes, it’s going to rain tomorrow. Grandad then ask what about the next day? The young boys said yes, a lot of rain. So, then grandad said, well how about the day after that? The young boy looking perplexed at his grandad said, worser!!! This story continues to make us laugh every time we hear it. Jerry has told multiple stories of his younger teenage years growing up in Arizona, but his heart always yearned for Oklahoma, where he returned with his family in the early 70’s.

Jerry attended Buckeye Union High School and played football for their team as a nose guard. Jerry being a large man in stature was known for his toughness with his classmates. But still had that gentle giant heart. After graduating he attended Arizona State University for a whole two months. He decided the university life was not for him, so when he went back home to his parents, they said, well then, it’s off to the Army for you. Jerry spent his basic training in Fort Ord, California, then he was shipped overseas to Germany. Jerry’s branch of service was the Army, and he served during the Korean War Conflict. He was stationed in Germany for approximately 3 years.

Upon returning home from the army, Jerry met and married Martha Ann Manues, and together they raised five children. Debbie, Thomas, Fonda, Janet, and Jeffrey.

Jerry was known for his kind heart, and love for his family. He also maintained an immaculate yard, of course with a little nudge from Martha. Jerry and Martha had a dual love for gardening, nature, and the outdoors.

Jerry worked most of his career at Gordon Cooper Votech School in Shawnee, OK as their grounds keeper, maintenance, and drove one of their buses. He even worked a bit in Ada, Oklahoma for Wal-Mart after turning 70. Jerry never really retired, he worked until Martha’s health declined then he stayed home and cared for her.

Jerry’s love for his family was written all over him, especially when everyone gathered at their home for Thanksgiving. It seemed to him, and Martha that all was right in the world when each family member gathered for the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, which usually meant a four-day holiday for the entire family, and their families. Many fond memories at Grandpa and Grandma Lemons home.

Jerry also had a love for football and would talk football with his younger brother, and his grandsons. Jerry also had a huge love for his country. Along with serving in the Army and being stationed in Germany, he also served in The Oklahoma National Guard. He was proud to serve his country and was very respectful and grateful towards the U.S. Flag and for what it meant to him.

Jerry spent the last few years of his life living in Norman, OK at the Norman Veterans Home alongside many of Oklahoma’s finest Veterans. He was cared and loved by their nurses and staff. He was also cared for in his last weeks of life by Legacy Family Hospice.

Jerry is survived by his three daughters, and three sons-in-law. Debbie and Mike, Fonda and Danny, Janet and Rick, his brother Gloyes Dale and Sister-in-law Jane Lemons of Flagstaff, AZ. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Thurman Lemons, and Treva Lemons. His brother Billy Joe Lemons, his spouse Martha Ann Lemons, and his two sons, William Jeffrey Lemons, and Thomas Lyn Corona.

Jerry’s good nature, kindness, sweet smile, and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts that knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Oklahoma Chapter of the Alzheimer’s ~ Dementia Association at https://www.alz.org/oklahoma or please feel free to donate or plant a tree in his honor.

A visitation for Jerry will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. A funeral service will occur Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Wesley United Methodist church at 302 E. Independence, Shawnee, OK, 74801. A committal service will occur Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 44909 at Resthaven Memorial Park and cemetery, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801.