John Dee Lemen, 83, sadly passed away on Monday, September 29th, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Seattle, WA. He passed away peacefully with his wife by his side. John never ceased in his strength or his sharp wit, and will always be remembered for who he was as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend.
John was born in Hutchinson, KS on October 7th, 1941, to his parents Harold and Mary Lemen. He grew up in Kansas with his older sister, Marlene, and eventually joined the Marine Corps, where he would go on to rank as a sergeant and serve in Vietnam.
It was in the Marines where he met his wife, Beverly, when they were both stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. They forged their bond over many movie dates and inviting conversations while enjoying a beer. After receiving orders to go to Trinidad, John proposed, and the rest was history. The two married on June 14th, 1963, beginning their marriage of over 62 years. Together, John and Beverly raised three children, Michelle, David, and Cathy. John was incredibly proud of his family, and often shared how pleased he was to be a father to his three children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
He was also a retiree of nearly 30 years. John officially retired from truck driving for Burlington Northern Railroad/Eagle Systems in 1997. Although out of the work force, he would often volunteer with Beverly as color guards for the Tahoma National Cemetery and Upper Skagit Indian Tribe at a variety of services and occasions dedicated to his fellow veterans.
John was anything but complicated. He found comfort in simple things like cold Cherry Coke, hamburgers, an afternoon soap opera, or a drive to the casino. But the foundation of his joy came from being with Beverly. Rarely would you see one without the other, the epitome of a “package deal”.
John, without a doubt, lived the way he wanted to, and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him would agree. He was an absolute pillar of strength to his family and loved ones, and his charming smile and plethora of stories will be missed by all of them.
John’s passing was preceded by his father Harold, his mother Mary, and his sister Marlene. His memory and legacy will live on through his wife Beverly, his daughter Michelle (Dallas), his son David (Kristine), his daughter Cathy (Kurt), his five grandchildren, his five great-grandchildren, and the rest of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Beverly and the rest of the family would like to extend their gratitude for those who have offered support and love during this difficult time. The warmth shown by others has meant a lot to them, and it reflects the appreciation people had for John being in their lives.
I will miss our loving Marine Corps greeting of flipping each other off and whirlwind of insults then laughing together. You have always been more that just a brother in-law. I looked at you like a brother but most of all my friend. You will always love on in my heart I promise I will always be there for Beverly. Semper Fi Marine.
John Lemen led by example and will always be remembered by those of us who were privileged to have been around, and influenced by such understated greatness.