Wayne Clinton Lemons, 83, died Tuesday, April 29 at Oakdale Care Home.
He was born in Oakdale to Clabe and Eloise (Goss) Lemons. The second of four boys, he grew up with older brother Jim and younger twins, Ray and Roy. He graduated from Oakdale High School in 1950 and married his high school sweetheart, Dovie Way, later that year. He and his wife raised four children together, David, Charlotte, Julie, and Ray.
Mr. Lemons was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951, and served honorably in the Korean War before returning home in 1953.
After returning from the war, he began working for the Merced Irrigation District before starting his career at the U.S. Post Office in 1955 as a city letter carrier in Oakdale. He faithfully carried out his duties there before retiring after 30 years in 1985.
Not one to rest on his laurels, he began working for Bordona’s Home Furnishings. There, he delivered furniture for 10 years before retiring for good. He also trimmed trees for Oakdale residents for over 35 years. As well, he was a volunteer firefighter in Oakdale for approximately 25 years.
He was able to find love again, and in 2000, married Pamela DeCavit and together they raised their son Shaun.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed camping. He, his wife Pam, and their son traveled the western U.S. visiting national parks and other landmarks while camping in their fifth wheel throughout the years. He had a passion for dogs and was a proud dachshund owner for most of his life and will be missed by his dogs Rocky, Bandit, and Lisa.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela DeCavit; children, David (Kathy) Lemons of Oakdale, Charlotte (Larry) Smith of Rescue, Julie (Fred) Burtschi of Oakdale, Ray (Tera) Lemons of Sonora, Shaun DeCavit of Oakdale; stepchildren, Deborah DeCavit of Modesto, Donald (Sara) DeCavit of Oakdale; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clabe and Eloise; and brothers, Jim, Ray, and Roy Lemons.
Per his request, there will be no services. However, a celebration of life will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 at the home of Julie and Fred Burtschi, Oakdale.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
May 7, 2014
