Walter R. Lemons

Walt Lemons, age 77 died peacefully on October 8, 2024 at home in Kansas City, Missouri with his family by his side. Walt was born in Springfield, Missouri to Floyd and Ola Mae Lemons. He graduated from Smith Cotton High School, Sedalia in 1965 and previously spent three years at Hillcrest High School in Springfield. He went on to graduate with a Business degree from Southwest Missouri State University (now known as Missouri State University). In June of 1969, he married his love, Kay. After college, he deployed to Korea with the United States Army as a Military Police Officer. He was honorably discharged in 1971.

Upon arriving back to the United States, Walt worked in the grocery business at various locations before spending 27 years with Associated Wholesale Grocers. After retirement, he enjoyed working at Shoal Creek Golf Course. Walt and Kay had three children, Brad, Craig and Tiffany. His children remember him as a devoted father, always putting their needs before his own. 

Walt was a witty guy who never missed an opportunity to have fun or crack a joke. He was an animal lover, specifically dogs. He loved spending time at the golf course, with his grandkids and traveling. Walt and Kay have traveled to 29 countries together with Italy and New Zealand being his favorites. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, and several aunts and uncles. Walt is survived by his wife, Kay of Kansas City, son Brad (wife Shelly, grandkids Marcus and Elliott) of Belleville, IL, son Craig (grandkids Austin and Sophia) of Kansas City, and daughter Tiffany (husband Jeff, grandkids Grady and Kiley) of Kansas City, as well as brothers Tom (Juanita), Bruce (Jill), Floyd (Angela) and sister Donna (Marvin). 

A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, October 13th from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Shoal Creek Golf Course 8905 N. Shoal Creek Pkwy Kansas City, MO 64157. All are welcome to attend. His ashes will be interred at Springfield National Cemetery on a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a local animal shelter if you feel so inclined. 

The family would like to thank the caregiver team at Menorah Medical Center, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute and Visiting Nurse Association for their compassionate care of Walt.