RUBEN "JERRY" J. LEMONS

Ruben J. “Jerry” Lemons, age 79, of Brunswick, went peacefully with The Lord, Monday, February 13, 2017. He was born June 23, 1937 in Marianna, Pennsylvania to the late Ruben S. and Ann (nee Visnesky) Lemons.

He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 58 years, Shirley (nee Pasker); loving children, David, Jonathan (Laura), Regina (Joe) Frimel, Thomas (Lorna), Susan (Jason) Dimos; dear grandchildren, Melissa (Jonathan), Michael (Tiffany), Jennifer (Kevin), Amanda, Rachael, Tommy, Elizabeth, Nicole, Kenny; cherished great grandchildren, Christian, Olivia, Matthew, McKenna, Jack, Brooklyn; siblings, Marcia (Ken) Malgay, James (Nancy), Thomas (Patty); and many veteran comrades and friends.

Ruben, better known as "Jerry," was a Medina County Resident for more than 42 years, and grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania along with his sister and two brothers. He left home at an early age to stay with his grandfather and enlisted in the United States Air Force. During this time, he met Shirley. Jerry was transferred to Ohio by the United States Air Force where he worked as an Air Force recruiter until retiring from the military with over 22 years of service. He began working for Republic Steel Company shortly thereafter. He retired at age 62. This is when he was able to give more time for all of his volunteer services in Medina County.

He was an active member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Brunswick. He visited the elderly in the community, taking them Sunday communion, and also called on many friends and disabled veterans. He served as a Eucharistic Minister for the nursing homes in the Brunswick community as well as residents who are shut-ins at home. Jerry was Past Commander of the American Legion and the VFW of Brunswick. He also was a past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Jerry worked part-time at Carlson Funeral Home when needed as Chaplain, Greeter, helped with flowers, and was a driver. He was also a part of the joint American Legion/VFW funeral honor guard.

He was involved in many fundraisers such as COOTIE and Poppy Drives for veterans. He was a parade organizer for many community events in Medina County. He served refreshments monthly at the VA Hospital as well. Jerry also served with other veterans as Honor Guard for the Brunswick Old Fashioned Days flag raising ceremony, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day ceremonies in the community. Jerry, along with other veterans, visited all the elementary schools in recognition of Veterans Day and provided a program for the students. He was also involved with VFW essay contests with the students of Brunswick. He had served as Guardian for Honor Flights for Medina County Veterans in assisting veterans to visit Washington DC.

Jerry was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, was also named Medina County’s Veteran of the Year by the Joint Veterans Coalition, received a community service award from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation through Medina Hospital, given “A Key to the City” of Brunswick, and named Brunswick Citizen of the Year 2016.

Jerry was the kind of guy you could call and he would always be there to help. If you were one of his relatives visiting him, you could be sure you would be part of his volunteer services while you were in town. Above all Jerry was a humble, God loving man, who loved his family and friends dearly, always had a smile for anyone he met; and will be remembered by the countless people whose lives he touched.

Friends may join the family for visitation Sunday, February 19, 2017 from 1:00 until 7:00 pm at Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 1642 Pearl Road, (1/2 mile south of Route 303) Brunswick, OH 44212. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 20, 2017 at 9:00 am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 929 Pearl Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.