- June 11, 1923 – October 31, 2011
We just received the word of the passing of Lt. Col Charles Lemons
LEMONS — CHARLES FREDERICK Age 88, of Albuquerque, New Mexico died October 31, 2011 at the VA Hospice Unit of a brain tumor. Charles was born in Troy, NC on June 11, 1923 to Fred Stanback Lemons and Minnie Lee (Blake) Lemons.
Charles entered the US Army Air Corp in 1942 and proudly served his country through three wars, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, retiring in July, 1972 with the rank of Lt. Col. Among other honors he received the Bronze Star. Charles remained close to his military comrades and organized reunions for the 55th Troop Carrier Squadron and the Holloman AFB Photo Squadron.
Charles graduated from the University of Albuquerque after he retired. After he retired from the Air Force he opened Landmark Realtors in Albuquerque and was in business until this year.
Charles married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Libby” Lemons in July, 1947. They had one daughter Wanda, and they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary with a trip to Hawaii, one of Charles favorite destinations. He loved travel and photography, and he and Libby visited most of the 50 states during retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred Stanback Lemons and Minnie (Blake) Lemons and his brother Frank Lemons.
Charles is survived by wife Elizabeth “Libby” Lemons; daughter Wanda Umber and husband Roger; his sister, Jane Holland of High Point, NC. A Visitation will be held Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Carlisle Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services.
Funeral Service was held on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 10:00 am in the Carlisle Chapel of Daniels Family Funeral Services, a graveside service will followed at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:15 pm with full military honors.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the VA Hospice Unit, VA Cooperative Studies Program, and Senior Helpers for their support as well as the VA Chaplain’s Service, the Kirtland AFB Chapel Community and Mesa View United Methodist Church. Memorial gifts may be made to the New Mexico VA Health Care System in Albuquerque, NM or to the Loma Linda Proton Beam Radiation Therapy Program, 11175 Mountainview Ave., Loma Linda, CA 92354.
To view service information or leave a condolence, please visit: www.danielsfuneral.com Charles’ care entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 3113 Carlisle Blvd NE Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87110 505-884-1188
Lt Col Lemons was always fair and considerate when dealing with any issues. He was man of many talents. We were not close, but had a very good professional relationdhip. I have no doubt he has a spaecial place in Heavan.
Roy Bagwell, CMSgt, Ret, COMDOC