Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Oct 2, 1942 - Feb 28, 2024
So sorry for your loss! Gary was a very special, kind person. We always enjoyed our visits at the feed store in Canistota. He will be greatly missed. Thinking of you Rita and your family.
Alan & Dana Klinkhammer
March 05, 2024 | Canistota, SD | Friend
Gary was such a kind, gentle, deeply caring man. We had so many incredible talks over the years...he was an inspiration beyond words. We love you sweet Rita...May God bless you and your amazing family in the days ahead.
Sue and Patrick Caudill
March 04, 2024 | Venice, FL | Friend
Sending my love to Rita & all the kids! Gary was the nicest man I have met! Always greeted with a hug & really concerned how you were doing! Going to miss our conversations over happy hour Gary & all our laughs about life in general! I am here for you Rita- see you very soon! Love you all, Renee
Renee Johnson
February 29, 2024 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
I’m sorry for your loss! Fred thought a lot of Gary. RIP!!!!!✝
Diana Mumma
February 29, 2024 | Venice, FL | Friend
On February 28, 2024, Gary Lee Lemon entered his eternal heavenly home after his battle with Parkinson's disease.
Gary was born October 2, 1942, to Joan (Jones) and William A. Lemon in Washington, Indiana.
A graduate of Washington High School class of 1961, he enjoyed choir, basketball, hunting and fishing. After graduation Gary worked on the Jones family farm and McCord Heat Transfer Corporation. In 1975, Gary and his family relocated to Canton, South Dakota where his career progressed to be the Plant Manager.
With their children as the bridal party and surrounded by friends and family Gary married Rita (Martin, Stockberger) on May 25, 1985.
Cummins Engine Company bought the Canton, SD McCord Heat Transfer Corporation is 1988. Gary retired in 1989 to start his own business and sell real estate for Century 21. He was very involved in the Canton city planning and was named Citizen of the Year in 1991.
As empty nesters in 1994, Gary and Rita moved to Florida where Gary continued his career in real estate and later became manager of a courier company. After an active hurricane season, they moved back to South Dakota in 2006 to be near their children and grandchildren. Gary cherished spending time on the farm with his children : Andrea Lemon, Heather (Joe) Kindvall, Brad (Stefanie Nichols) Stockberger, Adam (Amy Johnson) Stockberger. Also surviving are his brothers: Phillip Lemon, Alan (Candace) Lemon, Roger (Beverly) Lemon, David (Cheryl) Lemon, James Lemon; Aunt Louise Lemon, cousins, nephews, nieces, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Retirement in 2021 brought them back to his home town of Washington, Indiana.
Gary was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, mother and his first wife, Nancy Coleman.
A celebration of life will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on March 16, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. with food, fellowship and time to visit with Gary's to be held from 1:00- 3:00 p.m.
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