Earl O. Lemons, age 95, a life-long resident of Columbia County and resident of Orangeville for over 60 years, died on Friday evening, March 28, 2014, a recent patient at the Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital.
Earl was born on Thursday, March 20, 1919 in Orange Township, a son of the late Harry and Edith (Oman) Lemons. Throughout his younger years, Earl attended and later graduated from the former Orangeville High School in 1938.
Immediately following his education, Earl enlisted on July 1, 1943 with the United States Army where he served his country faithfully during World War II in Asiatic Pacific Campaign. Throughout his time of service, he was awarded the honors of the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Meta with four Bronze Stars and the World War II Victory Medal. On January 9, 1946, Earl was honorably discharged from his time of dedicate service to our country.
Prior to entering the service, Earl met and married the former Margaret Bowman also of Orangeville on May 14, 1940. Earl spent his entire life working on the family farm in Orangeville. In addition to farming, Earl was also employed by the former Magee Carpet Company in Bloomsburg for over 25 years. He was also employed for many years as a salesman for the Mystik Oil and Shaffer's Oil selling oil throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Earl was a member of the Ebenezer Faith Bible Church in Orangeville for many years, and served as a former Elder and Sunday school teacher. Earl was also very active in raising support for Gideons International Bible distribution program.
In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by a son: Richard Lemons in 1990 and also by a daughter: Nancy Davis in 1994. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 73 years, Margaret (Bowman) Lemons, of Orangeville; a daughter: Gloria Buffone or Orangeville; a son: Robert Lemons also of Orangeville; nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday afternoon, April 1 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Funeral services will also begin on Tuesday afternoon, April 1 at 1 p.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., Bloomsburg with Rev. Nigel Probert, interim pastor of the Ebenezer Faith Bible Church, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in the Lightstreet Highland Cemetery with full Military Honors provided by a combined American Legion/VFW group.
Memorial contributions in Earl's name are suggested to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.