Robert “Bob” A. Lemen

In the early morning hours of Sunday March 13, the world lost an amazing man. Robert “Bob” A. Lemen, 74, fell asleep in death in his home in Delta, PA. He was the loving husband of Carolyn J.(Fenwick) Lemen. He was, in her words, “the love of my life”. Born May 15, 1947 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of Gordon Dale and Dorothy (Cherry) Lemen. Bob worked as a lithographer at Advance Printing in Baltimore for many years and was very skilled and meticulous in his work. He was also one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Bob was passionate about sharing his hope and his faith, and he took every opportunity possible to offer comfort and encouragement from the Scriptures. He loved being a Christian minister and he loved his dear spiritual family and his Fawn Grove Congregation. His presence there is so deeply missed. Bob was a very simple and humble man, full of love for people from all walks of life. He had a heart of gold. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for anyone, regardless of the cost to himself. He would readily “give the shirt off his back”, or at least his signature flannel that he wore everywhere. He just loved life. Bob was able to find something positive in even the worst of situations. He could always, without fail, see “the bright side”. Everyone that met Bob couldn’t help being drawn in by his positivity and his ability to overcome the weight of his multiple health problems. He never complained about his lot in life. He never felt that he deserved any better. He also felt undeserving of the admiration of those who were awed by his endurance and his strength. He loved creation and would often remark about a gorgeous sunrise or sunset, the exhilarating smell of fresh country air (even if that meant freshly spread with cow manure, which he didn’t mind at all!) He loved to walk around his yard and take in the beauty of the green grass, the colorful trees and flowers, the birdsong… He especially loved the lightning bugs at night. He recently expressed that he didn’t feel that he deserved to have such a wonderful life. Everyone knew that Bob was also passionate about music and Elvis Presley. As a record collector since he was a young child, he’s often been called a music aficionado. He used to enjoy DJ-ing special events and creating mix-tapes and cds of all his favorite songs (which numbered in the thousands!) He could often be found with his phone in his pants pocket and earbuds in his ears, playing his lengthy playlist as he went about his day. Any conversation with him would likely trigger a line from a song which he would inevitably begin to sing and share all of the trivia surrounding that song. He was a walking music encyclopedia! And finally, Bob adored his family. He is survived by his wife Carol and his children: Rhonda Boyce & husband David, Ron Lemen & wife Dawn, Melisa Hutton & husband Bob, John Fenwick, lll & partner Patty, and Marivic Domingo; Grandchildren Jordan & Brady Lemen and Brianna & Mya Hutton; Sister Martha Harple & husband Harold; and Brother-In-Law John Fenwick, ll & wife Phyllis. Bob fell in love with Carol the first time he saw her walk into the cafeteria in high school. He still remembered what she was wearing that day. After about 57 years of growing older together, she was still as beautiful in his eyes as she was the day they met. Bob worked hard for his family and set an example for his children that they all strive to imitate. The following are some heartfelt expressions of who Bob was to each of us: “Gentle, kind, family man, music trivia genius”- Dawn Lemen, daughter-in-law “Hardworking, witty, laid back, positive”- Jordan Lemen, grandson “Witty and hardworking”- Brady Lemen, grandson “The best soft-spoken tough guy, corny joke re-teller, nature-loving family man we could have hoped to have in our life. He never had a cross word for anyone, but had a happy suggestion for everyone. He’s my Abe Lincoln.” – Ron Lemen, son “Bob Lemen was the kindest, most selfless, strongest, most positive, loving, hard-working family man, whom I was blessed and honored to call “Dad”. His appreciation for music, the outdoors and nature, and corny one-liners will forever be treasured. He was my hero. “Holy Mackerel!” Goodbye yellow brick road, Dad.” – Melisa Hutton, daughter “Robert Lemen was the greatest father anyone could wish to have. He selflessly sacrificed and provided for his family and anyone he knew without ever complaining or asking for anything in return. Always with a smile on his face, music in his blood, and a heart that had enough love for the whole world. He was and will remain the perfect example of what all humans should be.” -John Fenwick, lll, son “My dad taught me what to look for in a man. He cherished my mom and did everything in his power to comfort, protect, and provide for her. His favorite place to be was by her side. His sincere love for life, family, and all things beautiful was contagious. I already miss his predictable puns and his one-track musical mind. Following in his footsteps, I too “speak” in songs. The music he brought into my life will keep him close to my heart until the day I will embrace him again, “with rings on my fingers and bells on my toes” and “18 yellow roses in a pretty bouquet”… - Rhonda Boyce, daughter “Bob Lemen was a kind, gentle, compassionate, and loving father, husband, grandfather, and brother who enjoyed and appreciated life immensely!”- Marty Harple, sister “He was always positive.”- Hap Harple, brother-in-law “He was a very positive and upbeat/down-to-earth person. Always had a smile and his knowledge of ‘Oldies But Goodies’ was phenomenal. He will truly be missed.”- John Fenwick, ll “He was the most perfect and special person I ever met in my life. He was the love of my life.”- Carolyn Lemen, wife A family celebration of Bob’s life was held on Saturday, March 19. According to his wishes, we gathered together to play his music, drink Irish Coffee, and reminisce about the many happy memories we all created with him. Hartenstein Funeral and Cremation Care, Inc., Stewartstown, PA will be assisting the family. A memorial talk will be given on Saturday, April 2at 3:30pm by David Boyce overZoom, please text Rhonda Boyce at 717-606-2077 or email at Rhondaveu71595@gmail.com for the zoom sign-in information In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charitable organization of your choice.