Robert Charles Lemont Sr.
September 3, 1930 - September 7, 2021
Robert Charles Lemont Sr., 91, of Brazil, Indiana, crossed the finish line on September 7, 2021 with his family by his side.
Bob laced up his shoes and started his run through life on September 3, 1930, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was born the son of Joseph and Amelia (LaLoux) Lemont. He graduated from Gerstmeyer Tech in 1949 where he lettered in track and basketball. He briefly attended Indiana State University before he was drafted into the United States Army in January, 1952. He served during the Korean Conflict with several Terre Hauteans, while their wives remained stateside and formed a lifelong friendship group; their extended families gathering together as recently as August, 2021.
Bob had two trades; his primary job was as a welder at Stran Steel until the plant closed in 1982. While at Stran he spent his 'free' time building homes with his father-in-law Joseph Shake, developing the village of Mansfield. Bob's in-laws, Joe and Esther Shake, operated the General Store in Mansfield. Several of the homes built by them are still in place.
Bob developed a passion for running when he was 40 years old. According to Jimmy Grey, lifelong friend, “...he was running when running wasn't the cool thing. He ran in Converse All Stars because there were not “running” shoes”. He participated in races all over the Midwest, and completed the Boston Marathon in 1982. He was the oldest original member of the Wabash Valley Road Runners Club, and helped organize several local races; his favorite being the Covered Bridge Run in Mansfield, Indiana. In his later years, he traded his running shoes in for bicycling. He rode his final RAIN (Ride Across Indiana) event at the age of 75 years old. He was an active member of Silver Sneakers both in Brazil and Wabash, Indiana. Locally, he was known endearingly as: “The Man, The Myth, The Legend”. He could be seen running anywhere between Mansfield and Terre Haute and might sneak up on a fellow runner without them knowing his presence until the exact moment he wanted them to.
Bob married Mary Jo (Shake) Lemont on January 6, 1951. Together they raised 6 children in Mansfield. The love of his life preceded him in death after 55 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his son R. Curtis Lemont, his parents Joseph and Amelia Lemont, his brother Paul Lemont, his sister-in-law Margaret Lemont, his brother-in-law Virgil Stedman, his brother-in-law and early running buddy George Ralston and his brother-in-law Joseph Shake Jr.
Bob is survived by his companion of 15 years, Florence Draper of Wabash, Indiana and his children: Robinne Dodd and husband Eddie, Renee Stewart and husband Gary, Robert Charles Lemont Jr., Ryan Lemont, and Chelly Lemont; grandchildren: Belinda Jo Hawkins and husband Kelly, Bruce Hines II and wife Teresa, J.C. Roe, Ashley Dickison, Robert C. “Trey” Lemont III, John Sands, Jacob Sands, and Krislin Lemont; great-grandchildren: Kelly Hawkins Jr., Kloe Hawkins, Haven Morgan, Sydney Hines, Bruce Hines III, Reagann Dickison, Kennedie Dickison, Annie Dickison, Tinsley Lemont, and Ella Mae Lemont; great-great-grandchildren: Brynleigh and Sophie; a sister Amelia Stedman; sisters-in-law Ilene Ralston and Jo Ann Shake; as well as a host of extended family members and friends that were always welcome in the Lemont household. He was a role model to his children teaching them hard work and a gentle touch.
Cremation is scheduled and a Celebration of Bob’s life will take place at the Mansfield Mill / Red Barn Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. His long run influenced many and the family would like to invite friends and relatives to join in our remembrance of his life.
Memorial contributions may be made to the YMCA Strong Kids Program, 225 Kruzan Street, Brazil, Indiana 47834.
French Funeral Home, in Brazil, was entrusted with his care. Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in his memory.
