Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Walter "Red" Lemon Jr.

Walter Lemon Obituary

Lemon, Walter "Red" Jr.
Born in Miami, Arizona on July 27, 1921, peacefully passed away December 28, leaving a rich legacy behind including daughters Dianemarie Collins (Doug), Cheryle Mariscal (Eric) and Walt Lemon III (Teri). A veteran of WW II, the Korean War and Vietnam, Walter also flew in the Arizona Air National Guard with Barry Goldwater in the early 1970s. A contractor and builder, Walter was a contemporary with Phoenix builders John F. Long and Del Webb and leaves a number of homes and commercial buildings he built around Phoenix still standing after his passing. Since 1986 Walter was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a Temple Recommend. In addition to his children Walter is survived by sisters Bertha Bower, Phoenix, AZ and Eloise Suter, Richfield, MN, grandsons Alex Gladney Lemon (Laura), Tony Lemon (Debbie), Gabe Collins (Laura) and great granddaughters Piper & Mikayla plus numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews and great-great nieces/nephews. Memorial service pending. Rest in Peace Dad.
https://view.admission.net/abc/mactive/_ARIZONAREPUBLIC_0000133714/i-1.JPG

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Lemon

16 Entries

Linda Gibson Plate

October 12, 2022

I am so sorry of your loss. He was a close friend of my parents Roger and Kathy Plate. He was a big personality in my eyes when I met him at the age of 10. He took pleasure in the animals I donated to his little petting zoo outside of Chandler. My condolences.

Linda Leutner

August 10, 2017

You, the family of Red Lemon, don't know me.... But I knew Red and Joan as a young child. My parents were Jim and Doris Dunlap. We lived in Phoenix 1946-1951. Red and Joan and my folks were great friends during those years. Red taught my mom how to make "those tacos". I took tap lessons from Joan. When we moved from Arizona to Ohio Red took us to the airport in his red convertible. He did donuts on the tarmac! The reason I looked up his name tonight is I'm watching a biography of Frank Sinatra. Mom loved Frankie and had all his 78 records, she told me she gave them to Red and Joan's son. Hope he still has them! I still love Mexican food. Loved hearing my Mom's stories about the Irish red headed guy that loved to party and dance! Sorry for your loss......

Annemarie Pieri

February 1, 2011

My name is Annemarie, and I am Walter's niece -- the daughter of his older sister Bertha. I don't have many memories of Walter when he was a young man, but have heard stories that he was as fiery as his red hair.

As a six-year old, I took dancing lessons and later Walter married Joan, my dance instructor. Together they had three children -- Walt III, Dianemarie and Cheryle.

Raising his family, serving in three different war situations and working construction, he was a very busy young man. In 1961, when my husband was sent to Germany to serve in President Kennedy's war, he ran into to Walter in Scotland. What a small world!

At one point, Walter raised horses and our daughter, Rene' enjoyed staying with him as she too had a great fondness for horses and dogs, just like her great-uncle Walter.

I got to know Walter much better later in his life and always enjoyed listening to his many stories. When he became infirmed and moved to the Peppertree, I visited him often along with my mom. It was there he met Maxine, and the two of them shared time eating meals together, listening to music and watching movies.

In his day, Uncle Walter was a terrific dancer. For having such a strong work ethic and never playing sports, games or cards, Walter sure enjoyed playing BINGO and winning candy bars at the Peppertree.

My family would have Walter over for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and he was so amazed at our large family. He was constantly asking who was who, and could never keep the relationships straight. But he thought family was so very important in the scheme of things.

I would like to thank the staff at the Peppertree for all they did for Walter. His daughter, Dianemarie and son-in-law Doug, gave of themselves 100 percent in making his life as pleasant as humanly possible. They deserve sainthood!

My mom and I last visited with Walter right before he was admitted to the hospital for the last time. He was very lucid and told us: "I can't build anymore, and I can't stay alone anymore. I believe I'm in the right place." From those comments, I felt he had done everything possible on this Earth and was ready to go on to the next phase of his life. In the end, I truly believe God has some special building projects for Uncle Walter to work on.

May Walter "Red" Lemon find joy and contentment in his new adventures.

Dianemarie Lemon Collins

January 31, 2011

Daddy, You've been gone a month, and I still can't believe it. We thought we have time with you for at least another decade. But, I know you're happy and visiting with mama. You two were the perfect match. She always said so, and you always said she was the one for you. You just couldn't work things out in this world. You tried to make amends to all who you may have offended. When we were small, you took care of us. You were a good man. You are missed and loved.
Love, your daughter.

Jeanne Olson

January 31, 2011

I just had to share this with you. Son Craig in Korea told his 7-year- old twins about Uncle Walter. His wife Jen just e-mailed to tell me that McKenna has no idea who he is, but since Craig told her of his passing, she has been saying a prayer every night that he is happy in heaven. I loved that story.

Will miss you at the Memorial tomorrow--hope that all goes well!
Jeanne

Alex Gladney-Lemon

January 31, 2011

Best memory from Grandpa...sitting down in his ranch house (one of the many) and he was cooking his famous grease ball tacos, (ground beef (the 80/20 variety) browned with potatoes put in to soak up the beef grease, oregano, salt, pepper to taste. Then he would fry up his own tortillas in lard, throw in the beef mixture and put them in a bowl to drain.) He said, when you get my age you need the grease to help it slide down and through. Made me laugh and I still tell the story to this day.

marilou mcintyre

January 12, 2011

If I can do anything to help please let me know. Marilou Mc of WVP.

Red Lemon and Doug at the Lemon Tree Ranch.

Doug Collins

January 11, 2011

"Red" Lemon was a one-of-a-kind man. He loved his women. He loved to dance. He loved to build ... and not necessarily in that order! I had the privilege of being with him at his passing ... it was a special moment to share with my wife Dianemarie. You don't get a lot of chances to say goodbye ...

So, looking back, I know we did the best we could to make certain Red's last years were happy. Rest in Peace.

January 9, 2011

The old man was an interesting person. He was well traveled due to his time in the Army Air Corps (aka US Air Force), he was a 2nd generation Ariz native, he loved Arizona and he loved the construction industry. His legacy to me was a background which led to my career in the construction industry. He had his faults, but we all do. In the end he knew his faults and had corrected them. He did love his family. Vaya con Dios, Pop. Walter Lemon, III

Craig Bower

January 7, 2011

Rest in Peace Uncle Walter.I knew you briefly before I left Phoenix.You never failed to visit your sister, my mom, and how I looked forward to those visits! Dianemarie, we share your sorrow with the passing of your Dad.

Jerry & Edie Kelly

January 7, 2011

DM, we have just read your father's impressive obituary. We should all be indebted to him for his long service to our country. He sounds like he was a wonderful man of whom you must be very proud. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely, Jerry & Edie

Jerry & Edie Kelly

January 7, 2011

DM, we have just read your father's obituary. We are all indebted to him for his service to our country. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely, Jerry & Edie

Manetta Vojtas

January 3, 2011

May God comfort and be with you always.

WBV

Sharon Moore

January 2, 2011

DM and Doug, please accept my condolences. He sounds like an amazing man, and I know your memories will keep him in your heart forever. Sharon Moore (WBV)

January 2, 2011

What wonerderful memoies for you to find comfort in the days ahead.
You will find in the days ahead that the memories are such a wondereful gift he left you. I lost my parents at an early age and still miss them but those precious pictures and memories are a gift from God for yyu to treasure. Donna Raffel

Sandy Wilson

January 2, 2011

May God give you comfort during this difficult time, Dianemarie and Doug. I hope memories of your Dad and family will be a blessing now and always. Sandy Wilson

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results