Robert L.. Lemon

Passed away Wednesday evening, July 13, 2005 at home. Robert was born Feb. 19, 1927. He grew up in Berrien Springs and took over the family farm (Lemon Creek Fruit Farm) which he operated for nearly 30 years before retiring. As well as a Charter Member of the Michigan Grape Society, he was a pioneer in the Michigan wine grape industry. His interest in planting wine grapes and his ambition to see the wine industry grow culminated when he and his family established Lemon Creek Winery in 1984. He also worked 17 years with the U. S. Postal Service. After retirement, he and his wife, Helen, spent their summer months in Bloomingdale at their home on Scott Lake and the winter months in Kissimmee, FL. He loved woodworking his whole life and he shared that as a 4-H leader and with all who benefited from his creativity. Among his other loves were fishing and boating and frying up the catch of the day, camping with his family, playing assorted percussion instruments as well as traveling, dancing, laughing and entertaining with family and friends. He was a lifetime member of the Benton Harbor Elks Club and until recently a volunteer at South Haven Community Hospital and at the Soup Kitchen in Kissimmee. He was a member of Simpson United Methodist Church in Bangor and before that the Hinchman UMC in Berrien Springs. The family suggests memorials to the Simpson United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. He was married Nov. 1, 1947 to Helen Farwell at the First Congregational Church in Benton Harbor who survives. Also surviving are his three sons, Robert (Lois) Lemon, II of Kalamazoo; Jeffrey (Cathy) Lemon of Berrien Springs; Timothy (Katie) Lemon of Berrien Springs; four grandchildren, Tyson (Andi) Lemon of St. Joseph; Mollie Lemon of Chandler, AZ; Kaitlyn Lemon of Berrien Springs; Megan Harrell of Berrien Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Lydia Lemon; a son, Douglas "Skip" Lemon in 1989 and a sister, Dorothy Dittmar. A Memorial Service will be held at Simpson UMC in Bangor, 507 Joy Street on Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 3:00 P.M. with Rev. Sandra McNary officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service and at the luncheon immediatly following. A Celebration of his Life for family, friends and neighbors will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2005; 6-9 P.M. at the Lemon's Sesquicentennial homestead farm.

Robert L.. Lemon

February 19, 1927 - July 13, 2000