Richard David Lemons

Richard D. Lemons 

Richard David Lemons age 90, passed away on the 15th day of January 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by family in Tucson, AZ.  Richard was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 3, 1935 to Richard Lemons and Margaret R. Mitchell.  He was the youngest of three children and the only boy.  After attending four years of elementary school in Toledo, his mother moved the family to Whitehouse, Ohio. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 97, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout with 40 merit badges.  He graduated from Anthony Wayne High School, Whitehouse, Ohio in 1953. 

Richard attended Bowling Green State University for one year before finances dictated that he joins the United States Air Force in 1954.   Upon completion of Basic Training, Richard became the only “Negro” Advanced Survival Officer in the Air Force while stationed in Reno, Nevada and Fairfield, CA.  He received further specialized training and transitioned to the Air Intelligence Career Field and Combat Intelligence. While assigned to the Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Richard received the first oak leaf cluster to the Bronze Star Medal.  Additional awards and medals include: Meritorious service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal, with four Oak Leaf Cluster; Air force Outstanding Unit Award; Air Force Good Conduct Medal, with three Oak Clusters; Army Good Conduct Medal, with Two Bronze Loops; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal, with 13 Campaigned Stars; Air Force Longevity Ribbon, with four Oak Leaf Clusters; NCO Academy Ribbon; Sharpshooter Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Technical Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with Bronze Palm; and Vietnam Campaign Medal. 

Assignments/tours included Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, eventually serving as the Squadron Intelligence Non-Commissioned Officer. He was finally stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ. 

In addition to his military service, he became involved with Prince Hall Masonic activities through the social and fundraising arm of the Mabuhay Military Lodge #59.  He was honored with Master Mason of the Year in 1976.  He became a Life Member of the Air Force Aid Society in 1980. Richard retired from the United States Air Force on July 12, 1976.

Richard’s first post-retirement position was a Job Developer with the Tucson Urban League.  His Masonic activities continued as he became Worshipful Master, Prince Hall Lodge #10; Commander-in-Chief of Noah Consistory #55; received the Honorary 33 degree; Illustrious Potentate, Scimitar Temple #108, and Imperial Deputy of the Oasis, Tucson in 1986.  Richard is listed in the 15th edition of the Cambridge Who’s Who. 

As a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Richard served in elected and appointed positions; First Junior Vice Commander for the State of Arizona, Chapter Commander, Chapter Senior Vice Commander, Southern District Commander, Chapter Chaplin, and Department of Arizona Chaplin; as well as volunteering in the position of Chapter Service Officer.  Richard received Chaplain of the Year in 2006. 

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes and honors Arizona veterans who have made significant civic contributions at the local, state and national level.   In October 2015, Richard received Arizona’s Medal of Honor. 

Richard joined the Alpha Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc in 1954.  He received the Fifty-Year Membership Certificate in 2002.  In June of 2012, he received the Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award and his Seventy-Year Membership Certificate in 2024 from Eta Psi Lambda Chapter here in Tucson. 

Richard’s education includes an Associates of Art degree from Pima Community College in 1978 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Phoenix in 1996. 

Richard was an avid “smoker,” inviting family and friends for BBQ's, holidays and graduations etc.  Richard never met a stranger and was often the life of the party.  He loved fellowshipping, get togethers, sports, coin collecting, long walks and bartending.  Richard also had a green thumb and loved tending his potted plants.  He also enjoyed his retirement to the fullest and used his time productively as a volunteer, a Mason, Shriner, an Alpha, a dad, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend.

Richard was preceded in death by his father Richard, his mother Margaret Lemons (Vonley) Tribune (nee Mitchell), his sisters Nellie L. Lemons, Margaret M. Burgess, son Richard T. Lemons, daughter Wilma Lynn Curry, granddaughter Laquin Lemons, nephews Bradley D. Williams, David C. Lemons, and Vonley Burgess. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, sons Ricardo D. Lemons of Dallas, Richard D. Lemons, Jr. of Tucson, daughters Lydia Lott of Columbus, Lisa Stafford (Kawika), and Tanya Martin (Bobby) of Las Vegas; niece Margaret “CJ” Joshua of Atlanta, and nephew Nathaniel “Ricky” Burgess of Detroit.  Grandchildren; Miah (Boubacar) Sidibé of Mali, Lea Jackson, Tylanea Lemons of Scottsdale, Cedez Douglass of Tucson, Joshua Doty of Scottsdale, Evan and Rowan Lemons of Tucson. Great-grandchildren; Penda, Alima and Zeyna Sidibé, Tylea King, Vanessa and Christopher Jerome “CJ.” Great nieces and nephews Tamika Cooper, Tanya Hart, Rick Stylz, Elisha Burgess, Shelly Woods, Raymond Bingham, and Destiny Burgess.  Cousin Terri-Lynn Cross.  Many, many loving family, fraternal, Masonic brothers and friends. 

A special thank you to adopted granddaughter Robyn (Lorenzo) Abeyta of Benson for their love and support. 

Thank you to Holly Snaman and Aria Hospice Comfort & Care. 

Private burial will be held at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana. 

Arrangements by Adair Funeral Homes, Avalon Chapel.