Thomas P. Lemon

Thomas Perry Lemon, 67, passed away Mon., Sept. 12, 2011, after an extended illness. Tom was born on Jan.11, 1944 in Topeka to Charles W. and Frances Perry Lemon. The youngest of four boys, Tom grew up in the Oakland area and graduated from Topeka High School in 1962. Tom married Margaret “Peggy” Love on April 22, 1967 and they shared 40 years of marriage together before Peggy passed away in 2007. Tom’s career and lifelong passion was law enforcement. In 1965, he joined the Topeka Police Dept. as a patrol officer and rose through the ranks, retiring as a Detective Lieutenant in the juvenile division, after 29 years of service. Soon after, he began work as a Special Agent in the Criminal Litigation Division under Attorneys General, Bob Stephan and Carla Stovall. After retiring from the AG’s office in 1997, Tom took a position as a bailiff for the Kansas Supreme Court where he was employed part-time until he became ill earlier this year. Through all his years in law enforcement, Tom was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and dedication. Tom made lifelong friends and was affectionately known for his thriftiness and great sense of humor. He was a kind and compassionate man with a gentle heart, which shone through especially as he cared for Peggy during her long illness. When Tom’s children were in school, he was active in their education, serving as PTO president at Holy Name School and a Pace volunteer at Hayden High. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Knights of Columbus and Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church. Tom loved wildlife and the outdoors and was an avid gardener. Every year in late summer, he could be found in the kitchen canning his bountiful harvest of tomatoes which he then shared with his family. He loved everything sports and supported all Kansas teams but was partial to his beloved Jayhawks. Tom was “Papa” to his granddaughters, whom he was crazy about. He would have all seven of them over for sleepovers, sometimes regretting it by morning, but always willing to do it again. He loved attending their ball games, music programs, and school activities. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. Tom is survived by his children, Thomas G. Lemon (Karen) of Topeka, Mary Hanson (Lonnie) of Hoyt and Angela Smith (Richard) of Topeka; granddaughters, Ava and Maggie Lemon, Clare, Kate and Caroline Hanson, and Alaina and Olivia Smith; his brothers, Charles (Mary) of Duluth MN, Larry (Pat) of Topeka, and Bob( Jeannie) of Lawrence and his friend, Darla Reust. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Thurs. at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th St. Family will greet friends at the church from 6 to 7 p.m. and a parish prayer service will be at 7p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Fri. at the Church. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church or Kansas Dialysis Services Patient Assistance Fund sent in care of the funeral home.

Thomas P. Lemon

January 1, 1753 - September 15, 2011