Darrell Ross Lemon

SALINA - Darrell Ross Lemon, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday,  January 23, 2023, at Dignity Care Home, surrounded by his wife, Mary, and family members.

Darrell was born in Salina, KS on April 5, 1930 to Ella Mae and Guy Robert Lemon.  He graduated from Salina High in 1948 and was very active in sports, receiving a letter in basketball.  He was nostalgic about his early adult experiences in Salina and frequently shared about working at the brick plant, railroad and for the Morrison family.

Darrell served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953-1973, retiring as a Major and serving tours in Korea and Vietnam.   Duties included being a jet pilot, foreign student instructor, navigator.  He was a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam, guiding the Air Force jets to their targets.  This was a very dangerous job, but, in spite of that, he talked about the beauty of the Vietnam countryside and often took photographs from his plane.  Military Honors include The Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.

Darrell loved to fly!  He particularly was proud of the opportunity to work part-time as a pilot consultant to his friend, attorney Ken Wasserman.

Darrell was a kind, gentle, compassionate and distinguished man of faith, who loved his family dearly.  He met his wife, Mary, when they both worked in the City-County Building.  They married in 1981 and have been married for 41 years.  Darrell greatly enjoyed golf and was proud that his father taught him how to play.   He was able to transfer his love of golf to his grandchildren.  He was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.   Darrell worked for the Saline County Appraiser’s office, serving as appraiser and County Appraiser.  He particularly enjoyed meeting the public and assisting them with their property questions.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Guy Robert Lemon and Ella Mae Hesher Lemon, sister, Mary Lou Lemon Weddle, daughter, Cheryl Lemon Childs (Mark) and step-son, Fortino Luis Bonilla (Jamie).

Darrell is survived by his wife, Mary Virginia Cobb Lemon, sister:  Linda Lemon Simpson (Gerald), children: Diane Lemon Catchot (Harold) (David Parker),  Jennifer Bonilla Wallace (Chris), Adam Cobb Bonilla (Marie), and Dana Bonilla Talley (Rocko).  Grandchildren:  Charlie Parker McDevitt (Brian);  Darrell Parker (Rachel), Hannah Parker (Jake), Andie Childs, Freddie Childs, Tony Childs, Maria Bonilla, Anjoelina Bonilla, Bradley Pretzer, Jasmine Merrell, Selena Merrell, Dakota Hogan, Dawson Hogan, Chance Hogan, Darius Terry (Tiana), Taylor Flynn, Rachel Terry and Great Grandson, Jesse McDevitt.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, January 27, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 302 S. Seventh, Salina, KS.  The service will be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/s5Wrn0E1kdI.

Memorials may be made to Sunflower Adult Day Services or Dignity Care Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darrell Ross Lemon, please visit our floral store.