Bruce C. Lemon

On August 16, 2012, Bruce Charles Lemon of Maumee, after a long and valiant journey, enriched Heaven with his presence. Bruce was a cherished and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. Bruce died in the warmth and comfort of his family home surrounded by his loving wife, Betty, their children, and grandchildren. Bruce was born on March 5, 1937 in Napoleon, Ohio, to the late Robert and Angeline (Sherman) Lemon. On August 9, 1958, Bruce married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Betty Spencer, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Napoleon, Ohio. Bruce and Betty built a beautiful life and family together during their 54 year marriage. The strength and fortitude of their love for one another and compassionate commitment to their family was truly special. It serves as a source of inspiration to those around them. Bruce graduated from Napoleon High School. He began his working life as a teenager, with his dad, at Snyder’s Chevrolet, doing whatever needed to be done: washing cars, changing oil, or just plain “errand boy.” In 1958, Bruce graduated summa cum laude from The University of Toledo earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Bruce commenced a lifelong career in corporate finance and accounting in the Toledo area. Bruce was a man known for his amazing character, intelligence, integrity, work ethic and quiet wit. He began his career following graduation with the nationally known, Toledo based developer, Donald J. Scholz, and was proud to serve for many years as the Vice-President of Finance for Scholz Homes. Following the relocation of Scholz to Arizona Bruce served for several years as a Vice-President of Commercial Lending for the former downtown based Ohio Citizens Bank, then went on to serve for 15 years as the Vice-President of Finance of the Toledo based commercial steel corporation, Hardy & Dischinger Co. He subsequently served as Corporate Controller for both Ronfeld Inc. and K & C Supply, Toledo-based steel products companies. Bruce retired in 1999. Bruce’s many interests and memberships included the National Association of Accountant, the National Financial Managers Association, The University of Toledo Alumni Association, St. Joan of Arc, and Lake Columbia Homeowners’ Association. Bruce’s most favorite passion was his family. His family remembers him as one of the kindest men God ever choose to put on this earth. He was the consummate family man and glowed with pride when it came to his “Greatest Legacy”, his lifelong loving marriage to Betty and together raising their five children: Michael MD (Barb) of Bowling Green, Tom (Janice) Director of Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission of South Toledo, Steve (Sissy) Vice-President of Engineering of “23 and Me” Genetic Testing, of San Jose, CA, Mary Beth Crawford MD (Joe) of Maumee, and David JD (Jeffery Sullivan) of South Toledo. Betty and the children have countless memories of their many summers together with Bruce at their family cottage on Lake Columbia in the Irish hills community of Brooklyn, MI. Bruce loved his time at Lake Columbia with his family; water skiing, (pulling all 5 kids at once on water skis), golfing (he was a hacker), telling his children stories at bonfires on their beach and simply spending quality time. He loved driving “his boat” even though he could not swim. He loved the water. Many family friends regularly joined them throughout the summer and were always welcomed with open arms. He was truly a gift to everyone he met. His faith guided and defined his journey thru life. Bruce will always be remembered for his exceptional kindness, inner strength, generous spirit, wit, and integrity. His family meant everything to him. Bruce was a loving grandfather and found immense joy in being an active grandparent to his 14 grandchildren: Paul (Kylie), Christopher, Matthew (Maura), Elizabeth, Andrea, Katie, Emily, Nicholas, Allison (Anthony Chappta), Spencer, Bailey, Rigby, Oliver, Addison, and a newly born (August 13th) great-grandson, Luke. He is also survived by his sisters; Marianne Lemon, of Napoleon, Luann (Michael Worchuk of Waterville, nieces and nephews including Tony & Teresa Williams and Madison & Riley Sonnenberg. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Allison Lemon Crawford, and brother Barry (Linda) of Napoleon. Friends may celebrate Bruce’s life from 2-8pm on Sunday at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, Ohio, where a rosary will be said at 7pm. Additional visitation will be at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 5856 Heatherdowns Blvd., in South Toledo on Monday from 9:30-10:00 am. A mass of resurrection will be celebrated at 10am at St. Joan of Arc. Interment will take place at St. Augustine Cemetery in Napoleon, Ohio. Please view and sign the on-line guest registry at CoyleFuneralHome.com The family extends gratitude and special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Fowler, Dr. Jonthan Ross, Dr. Robert Navarre, Dr. Lawrence Elmer, Dr. Krishe Menezes, Dr. Gretchen Tietjen and to the Home Care Staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their loving, compassionate, and expertise care. Tributes in Bruce’s memory may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Notre Dame Academy.

Bruce C. Lemon

March 5, 1937 - August 16, 2012