Neldon L. Lemon, 86, passed away on Oct. 17, 2013 at his home from complications of an extended illness.
Neldon was born in Manti to Eva Shoemaker Peterson and Cassidy Peterson on Dec. 3, 1926. He was raised by his mother’s second husband, Frank Lemon and later took his name. He went to high school in Manilla.
In 1944 he enlisted in the Navy but was turned away because of a heart murmur. His heart problem would cause him open heart surgeries and the placement of two artificial valves. He married JoAnne Bridge on Nov. 13, 1950, and their marriage produced five children.
JoAnne passed away and he met and married Irene Christensen Sept. 17, 1966. He was an accomplished auto and diesel mechanic, a licensed building contractor, a licensed drilling and dirt-moving contractor, as well as an accomplished builder. In 1987 he bought an old filling station, tore it down, and built “Quality RV Parts & Service” in Moab and retired from there in 1993. After retirement he became an accomplished gardener and devoted his life to Irene.
He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Doug in 2007.
Neldon is survived by his children Robert (Lori), LaReta McFarland, Ralph (Judy) and Karen (Dan) James; step-children Diane (David) Gladman, Gail (Peggy) Christensen, Lorraine (Richard) Rowley, Rodney (Becky) Christensen; daughter-in-law Diana Christensen and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
