Lynn Ronald 'Ron' Lemon

Lynn Ronald "Ron" Lemon 85, of Canyon, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023. Services will be held at Brooks Chapel on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 A.M with Darren Dye officiating. Burial will follow at Dreamland Cemetery. The family will also be receiving friends on Monday, October 23, 2023, for a viewing from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Brooks Chapel.

Ron was born on December 25, 1937, in Amarillo, TX to Esther Eldora Smith and Lynn Thomas Lemon. His early childhood was spent in various small towns in West Texas, as his dad pastored churches in Loop, Seminole, and Denver City, as well as farmed at New Home, TX. In January of 1945, his family moved to Lubbock. Ron was born to become a musician. He started out Jr. High playing cornet, but quickly found his niche with the melodious French horn. While at Lubbock High School, he played in the band and orchestra, as well as the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. He graduated from LHS in 1956 with High Honors, National Honor Society, and in the Top 10 in his class scholastically, and was part of the Texas All-State band numerous times.

Ron attended Texas Tech University. During his senior year at Tech, he met the lovely and talented Elizabeth Kay McLaughlin while playing in the band. They were married on Dec. 23, 1961, in Andrews, TX.

After graduating from Texas Tech, Ron joined the US Navy, and after boot camp in California he joined the Navy Band in Washington, DC. Two major events happened during his tenure in the Navy Band, and he was able to march in both John F. Kennedy's inauguration parade, and his funeral procession.

After his stint in the Navy, Ron and Kay moved back to Lubbock for Ron to finish his master's degree program at Texas Tech. Over his incredible career he played in multiple symphony orchestras including Mobile AL, New Orleans, The New Hampshire Music Festival, and The Amarillo Symphony. He was also heavily involved as a clinician and presenter at TMEA and various horn symposiums. Ron was a consummate professional player, but also a truly gifted teacher. He spent time teaching at Emporia State but found his home at West Texas State University – now WTAMU. It was here that he impacted countless young students, not only that wanted to play French Horn, but in any of the classes he taught.

Ron is survived by his three children, James Ronald Lemon (Cariann Holgers), David Lynn Lemon (Heather Lemon), and Lorisa Carole Lemon, as well as five grandchildren, Kim Lumley, Emily Lumley, Samuel Lemon, Blake Rohus, and Brooke Rohus. As well as his brother Robert Lemon, and sisters Madeline Bate and Vicki Good. Ron is preceded in death by his wife Kay, sister Linda, and granddaughter Sydney Lemon.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that donations be made to either The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, or The Aplastic Anemia & MDS Foundation.