Lionel Joseph Lemelle

Lionel “Joe” Lemelle, age 49, passed away on June 22, 2024. Joe grew up in a loving and fun-filled home in Ames, Tx., surrounded by his parents, four brothers and more cousins than can be easily counted. His father kept his sons busy with all the components of what a great Boy Scout should be. As a result, Joe could pitch a tent, catch a fish, and kayak down a river.  In high school, Joe played the saxophone and purchased his first car. You could see the road when he drove (there was a hole in the back floorboard), but that did not bother him.   He was proud because he paid for the car on his own. Joe graduated from Liberty High School in 1993 and headed to Louisiana to attend Southern University. I am sure many would say that was the beginning of countless stories as he and his cousin/brother Solomon never left adventure untried. 

Joe's life took a new turn when he graduated from Southern University.  He began working, and shortly there after, experienced what he would tell you was the best thing that had ever happened to him-the birth of his son, Darius Lemelle. Joe, a man who acknowledged his imperfections, found his greatest source of pride and love in his son. His love for his mother and his family was unwavering. Joe was not one to shy away from expressing his feelings, always making sure to tell the people in his life that he loved them.  He was a pillar of support as an Uncle, Brother, Son, Cousin, Nephew, and Friend.

Joe will be dearly missed by his surviving family: Mother, Anna Lemelle; son, Darius Lemelle; brothers, Sam (Chris Mickler) Lemelle, John Lemelle, and Scott Lemelle; nieces, Alexius Rogers and Skylar Lemelle; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and close friends. 

Waiting for him at the Door to Heaven was his father, Lionel Marmon Lemelle and his brother, Jason Lemelle.

As we imagine him in Heaven, amusing his Dad and brother Jason, with funny stories and listening to zydeco music, we can't help but feel the void his untimely death leaves behind. He had a unique gift of making everyone feel welcomed, a trait that endeared him to all who knew him.