Obituary for Ronald S. Lemon
Ronald Samuel Lemon, age 80, of Knox, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at his home after a lengthy battle from a fall that left him paralyzed nearly three years ago. Ronald was born July 2, 1938 in East Chicago, Indiana to Samuel Lemon and Helen Montgomery Lemon, both deceased. Family came first for Ron. He is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart of 59 years, Andrea. Together they raised five sons and they were most proud of “their boys”, Thomas (Jean) of Gaylord, MI, Terence (Karen) of Stevensville, MI, Daniel (Julie) of Michigan City, Samuel (Kim) of Porter, IN, and Timothy (Ashley) of Knox, IN. Also surviving are a brother, Randall Lemon (Linda) of Jeffersonville, IN, a sister, Virginia Sainato of Valparaiso, IN, a brother-in-law, Frank Louis (Jackie) of Glen Ellyn, IL, and grandchildren, Matt, Grace, Emily, Eric, Elliot, Jenna, Daniel, Tony, Nick, Josh, Ashley and Ella.
Ron graduated from East Chicago Roosevelt in 1956. He played for legendary coach Pete Rucinski. While at Roosevelt, he was part of two mythical state football championships as well as being President of the whole student body. It was Coach Rucinski that inspired him to become a teacher and coach.
Ron graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa with a degree in Psychology. He was a three year starter on the football team and captain his senior year. He would later earn a Master’s degree from Valparaiso University.
Ron got his first teaching and coaching job in Lake City, IA in 1967. He would become Head Football Coach in Schleswig, IA in 1970 where he would be named Class A coach of the year twice.
In 1973 Ron returned home to NW Indiana and was named the football coach at Michigan City Rogers. He would be the football coach for the Raiders until the schools consolidated in 1995. Coach Lemon’s legacy in Michigan City would have to be the number of his football players who he worked very hard for to get them college scholarships. He was also part of the committee for the design of the new Ames Field. He loved players that were smart, had good character and wanted to better themselves. If you as a player wanted to go to college and play football he would do anything for you. He helped nearly 200 players get scholarships.
Ron also had been assistant wrestling coach, track coach and Assistant Athletic Director during his time at Rogers. Ron will long be remembered for his smile, quick wit and a booming voice. A voice that was easily recognized and often impersonated.
Upon retirement from MCAS in 1995 Ron continued to stay busy working at Lowe’s, Bethlehem Steel, Knox High School and Cambe Automotive. He most though enjoyed spending time watching his 12 grandchildren participate in various activities.
The family would like to thank Dr. Al Hamwi, Wound Center of Plymouth, Great Lakes Home Health and Great Lakes Hospice for their time and care. They were all so wonderful.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Share Foundation 6138 County Rd. 300 E., LaPorte, IN 46350 in the name of a loved one.
A private family Celebration of Life Mass will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Michigan City, after which the family with gather at St. Stanislaus Cemetery to bury his remains, all of this will take place at a later date. M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox is handling arrangements.
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Ron graduated from East Chicago Roosevelt in 1956. He played for legendary coach Pete Rucinski. While at Roosevelt, he was part of two mythical state football championships as well as being President of the whole student body. It was Coach Rucinski that inspired him to become a teacher and coach.
Ron graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa with a degree in Psychology. He was a three year starter on the football team and captain his senior year. He would later earn a Master’s degree from Valparaiso University.
Ron got his first teaching and coaching job in Lake City, IA in 1967. He would become Head Football Coach in Schleswig, IA in 1970 where he would be named Class A coach of the year twice.
In 1973 Ron returned home to NW Indiana and was named the football coach at Michigan City Rogers. He would be the football coach for the Raiders until the schools consolidated in 1995. Coach Lemon’s legacy in Michigan City would have to be the number of his football players who he worked very hard for to get them college scholarships. He was also part of the committee for the design of the new Ames Field. He loved players that were smart, had good character and wanted to better themselves. If you as a player wanted to go to college and play football he would do anything for you. He helped nearly 200 players get scholarships.
Ron also had been assistant wrestling coach, track coach and Assistant Athletic Director during his time at Rogers. Ron will long be remembered for his smile, quick wit and a booming voice. A voice that was easily recognized and often impersonated.
Upon retirement from MCAS in 1995 Ron continued to stay busy working at Lowe’s, Bethlehem Steel, Knox High School and Cambe Automotive. He most though enjoyed spending time watching his 12 grandchildren participate in various activities.
The family would like to thank Dr. Al Hamwi, Wound Center of Plymouth, Great Lakes Home Health and Great Lakes Hospice for their time and care. They were all so wonderful.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Share Foundation 6138 County Rd. 300 E., LaPorte, IN 46350 in the name of a loved one.
A private family Celebration of Life Mass will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Michigan City, after which the family with gather at St. Stanislaus Cemetery to bury his remains, all of this will take place at a later date. M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox is handling arrangements.
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