LEMMON, RAY ALLEN (1926 ~ 2007). The following is an obituary for Ray Allen Lemmon, former Member of the Texas House of Representatives.
"Ray Allen Lemmon, age 80, left this life on Tuesday, January 9, 2007. He leaves a grieving family and many friends.
Ray was born in Houston, Texas on April 6, 1926 and is a proud son of the Republic of Texas. He was a graduate of the University of Houston and served in the United States Marine Corp on Bougainville in the South Pacific during WW II.
He started his career as a railroad man with Houston Belt & Terminal Railway, but as his family grew he changed directions and started his company, Ray Lemmon Insurance. Over time, this grew also to include offering Real Estate Services and toward the end of his career, he was called on by many to serve as a Court-Appointed Receiver or to offer assistance with Real Estate Appraisals after which he often testified as an expert witness at the Courthouse.
He had a passion for politics, for Freemasonry and for the University of Houston. He served in the Texas House of Representatives for the 61st and 62nd Legislatures and has maintained contact over the years with the many friends he made while serving in public office. He was a member of Anson Jones Masonic Lodge #1313, for over 50 years having served as it's Worshipful Master and having received the Golden Trowel Award for Service. He mentored many young Masons and took great pride in their accomplishments.
He was an avid "Cougar" and often led the cheer to "Eat 'em up!"; not only at football games, but at home around the dinner table as well! He was a Charter Member of Emerson Unitarian Church and has served on many committees and was a member of the Board of Trustees.
Most importantly, he was a loving father, grandfather, husband, son, brother, companion, and friend. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Elizabeth Ann Davidson Lemmon and son, Ray Allen Lemmon, II, as well as his mother and father, Kate Mae and Rufus Claude Lemmon, 2 brothers, R. C. and Guy Lemmon and sister, Mabel Faour. He is survived by his daughter, Trish Baldwin-Hagner and husband, Buddy, daughter Lori Thomson and husband, Robert, son, David Lemmon, and daughter, Paula Ann Petritz. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, Shawn Lemmon Shaw, Nicole and Michelle Petritz, Chris and Anneke Lemmon, and Hunter Grace Thomson. Another very special person who survives Ray is his guardian angel, Susanna Painter, who is a beloved member of the family. He is also survived by brothers-in-law and their families on the Davidson side: Sam & Shirley Davidson, Bill & Ann Davidson, Jerry & Maureen Davidson. As well as sister-in-law, Velma Lemmon of Utah and numerous nieces and nephews! There are so many special friends, it would be impossible to list you all, please know he greatly valued each of you!
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 13, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Houston Chapel, 501 E 18th St.
A Memorial Service will be held at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1900 Bering Dr. in Houston on Sunday, January 14, 2007 beginning at 2 p.m.
Interment will follow in a few weeks at the Emerson Memorial Garden and in Austin, Texas at the Texas State Cemetery where he will be honored forever for his love of Texas and his dedication to public service.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider making a donation in Ray's memory to Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1900 Bering - 77057 or Houston Hospice, who tenderly cared for Ray and his family during some difficult days. Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston-77030."
Further information is available through the Texas State Cemetery Research Department. |