A product of Walters, Oklahoma, he went on to become one of the most successful head college basketball coaches in state history. He also served his country during WWII in the Pacific Theater. Basketball was his life, having more than 40 years tenure, both as a player and coach. In 34 seasons, he fell one win shy of 600 victories, while suffering 343 losses, and ranking fifth among the winningest men's active college coaches during his time. Although Oklahoma City University was his principle employer, he was also the head backetball coach at Pan American Universtiy (Texas) and the University of Texas, taking that position in 1976. While the coach at Pan American, he was named the 1974-75 Texas Coach of the Year. In 1977, he served as president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and was named National Coach of the year in 1978. Lemons was also noted for his quick wit and wry sense of humor. He once quipped to sportscaster Howard Cosell, "You may be big in New York, but in Walters, Oklahoma, you're nobody." And again, upon losing his final game by one point, falling short of his bid for 600 victories, "Damn referees. I'll miss them less than anybody." And this one, "How hard is it to coach track? Tell 'em to stay to the left and get back as fast as you can," after being fired by Texas Athletic Director and former Kansas State track coach DeLoss Dodds. Abe Lemons is a member of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
Full name added and linked to parents on 15 Jan 2016, per auto SAC.∼Abe Lemons-
He was one of the most successful head basketball coaches in Oklahoma history. Lemons grew up in the town of Walters, Oklahoma. He served in World War II in the Pacific and often referred to the pressures of his war experience to put sports pressures into perspective. He joined Oklahoma City University (OCU) as a student in 1947. At OCU, Lemons excelled as a player and coach in basketball for more than 40 years. In 34 seasons of coaching, he accomplished 599 victories and 343 losses, ranking fifth among the winningest men's active collegiate coaches. He coached several All-America & future NBA players, such as Arnold Short & Hub Reed. Lemons spent 25 years as head coach at OCU. His first 18 years at OCU from 1955–1973, during which he led OCU to a 309-181 record, two NIT berths and seven NCAA tournament appearances in 1956, 1957, 1963–1966 and 1973. OCU also won the All-College Tournament in 1965. From 1973-1976 Lemons was head coach at Pan American University, where he was named 1974-1975 Texas Coach of the Year. He took the head coaching position at the University of Texas in 1976. He served as president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1977 and was named National Coach of the Year in 1978. Lemons' last season at Texas was 1982. In his second stint at OCU, he took the Chiefs to the NAIA Championship tournament once and to the District IX playoffs four times. Lemons was Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1985-1986. OCU had an undefeated season record and a trip to the NAIA tournament in 1986-1987. That year, they were ranked number one throughout the season. The season ended with a 34-1 record, Lemons' was named District 9 Coach of the Year and Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In 1987, he was named Basketball Times Coach of the Year. In 1989, he received the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award. During his 25 years with OCU, Lemons posted a record of 432-264. He brought positive national attention to the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and OCU. He established himself as a "teacher of men," not only in sports, but in the values of life, as proven by the success and leadership accomplishments of his students and players. Lemons died on September 2, 2002 of complications from Parkinson's Disease at the age of 79.
His obituary-
LEMONS Abe, 79, passed away Monday, September 2, 2002 in Oklahoma City. He is survived by his wife: Betty Lemons; daughters: Dana Reese & husband Kip of Oklahoma City and Jan Smith & husband Richard of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Kristi Tague of El Reno, Shauna Hedden of Edmond, Ryan Tinsley of Oklahoma City and Trey Reese of Oklahoma City; great grandchildren: Logan Reese, Lacy Hedden, Aerol Hedden and Amber Hedden and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at the North Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 5, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. at Mayfair Church of Christ, 2340 N.W. 50th, OKC, with interment to follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. VONDEL L. SMITH & SON MORTUARY 13125 N. MacArthur 720-1439
Full name added and linked to parents on 15 Jan 2016, per auto SAC.∼Abe Lemons-
He was one of the most successful head basketball coaches in Oklahoma history. Lemons grew up in the town of Walters, Oklahoma. He served in World War II in the Pacific and often referred to the pressures of his war experience to put sports pressures into perspective. He joined Oklahoma City University (OCU) as a student in 1947. At OCU, Lemons excelled as a player and coach in basketball for more than 40 years. In 34 seasons of coaching, he accomplished 599 victories and 343 losses, ranking fifth among the winningest men's active collegiate coaches. He coached several All-America & future NBA players, such as Arnold Short & Hub Reed. Lemons spent 25 years as head coach at OCU. His first 18 years at OCU from 1955–1973, during which he led OCU to a 309-181 record, two NIT berths and seven NCAA tournament appearances in 1956, 1957, 1963–1966 and 1973. OCU also won the All-College Tournament in 1965. From 1973-1976 Lemons was head coach at Pan American University, where he was named 1974-1975 Texas Coach of the Year. He took the head coaching position at the University of Texas in 1976. He served as president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1977 and was named National Coach of the Year in 1978. Lemons' last season at Texas was 1982. In his second stint at OCU, he took the Chiefs to the NAIA Championship tournament once and to the District IX playoffs four times. Lemons was Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1985-1986. OCU had an undefeated season record and a trip to the NAIA tournament in 1986-1987. That year, they were ranked number one throughout the season. The season ended with a 34-1 record, Lemons' was named District 9 Coach of the Year and Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In 1987, he was named Basketball Times Coach of the Year. In 1989, he received the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award. During his 25 years with OCU, Lemons posted a record of 432-264. He brought positive national attention to the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and OCU. He established himself as a "teacher of men," not only in sports, but in the values of life, as proven by the success and leadership accomplishments of his students and players. Lemons died on September 2, 2002 of complications from Parkinson's Disease at the age of 79.
His obituary-
LEMONS Abe, 79, passed away Monday, September 2, 2002 in Oklahoma City. He is survived by his wife: Betty Lemons; daughters: Dana Reese & husband Kip of Oklahoma City and Jan Smith & husband Richard of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Kristi Tague of El Reno, Shauna Hedden of Edmond, Ryan Tinsley of Oklahoma City and Trey Reese of Oklahoma City; great grandchildren: Logan Reese, Lacy Hedden, Aerol Hedden and Amber Hedden and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at the North Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 5, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. at Mayfair Church of Christ, 2340 N.W. 50th, OKC, with interment to follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. VONDEL L. SMITH & SON MORTUARY 13125 N. MacArthur 720-1439
A product of Walters, Oklahoma, he went on to become one of the most successful head college basketball coaches in state history. He also served his country during WWII in the Pacific Theater. Basketball was his life, having more than 40 years tenure, both as a player and coach. In 34 seasons, he fell one win shy of 600 victories, while suffering 343 losses, and ranking fifth among the winningest men's active college coaches during his time. Although Oklahoma City University was his principle employer, he was also the head backetball coach at Pan American Universtiy (Texas) and the University of Texas, taking that position in 1976. While the coach at Pan American, he was named the 1974-75 Texas Coach of the Year. In 1977, he served as president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and was named National Coach of the year in 1978. Lemons was also noted for his quick wit and wry sense of humor. He once quipped to sportscaster Howard Cosell, "You may be big in New York, but in Walters, Oklahoma, you're nobody." And again, upon losing his final game by one point, falling short of his bid for 600 victories, "Damn referees. I'll miss them less than anybody." And this one, "How hard is it to coach track? Tell 'em to stay to the left and get back as fast as you can," after being fired by Texas Athletic Director and former Kansas State track coach DeLoss Dodds. Abe Lemons is a member of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
Full name added and linked to parents on 15 Jan 2016, per auto SAC.∼Abe Lemons-
He was one of the most successful head basketball coaches in Oklahoma history. Lemons grew up in the town of Walters, Oklahoma. He served in World War II in the Pacific and often referred to the pressures of his war experience to put sports pressures into perspective. He joined Oklahoma City University (OCU) as a student in 1947. At OCU, Lemons excelled as a player and coach in basketball for more than 40 years. In 34 seasons of coaching, he accomplished 599 victories and 343 losses, ranking fifth among the winningest men's active collegiate coaches. He coached several All-America & future NBA players, such as Arnold Short & Hub Reed. Lemons spent 25 years as head coach at OCU. His first 18 years at OCU from 1955–1973, during which he led OCU to a 309-181 record, two NIT berths and seven NCAA tournament appearances in 1956, 1957, 1963–1966 and 1973. OCU also won the All-College Tournament in 1965. From 1973-1976 Lemons was head coach at Pan American University, where he was named 1974-1975 Texas Coach of the Year. He took the head coaching position at the University of Texas in 1976. He served as president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1977 and was named National Coach of the Year in 1978. Lemons' last season at Texas was 1982. In his second stint at OCU, he took the Chiefs to the NAIA Championship tournament once and to the District IX playoffs four times. Lemons was Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1985-1986. OCU had an undefeated season record and a trip to the NAIA tournament in 1986-1987. That year, they were ranked number one throughout the season. The season ended with a 34-1 record, Lemons' was named District 9 Coach of the Year and Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In 1987, he was named Basketball Times Coach of the Year. In 1989, he received the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award. During his 25 years with OCU, Lemons posted a record of 432-264. He brought positive national attention to the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and OCU. He established himself as a "teacher of men," not only in sports, but in the values of life, as proven by the success and leadership accomplishments of his students and players. Lemons died on September 2, 2002 of complications from Parkinson's Disease at the age of 79.
His obituary-
LEMONS Abe, 79, passed away Monday, September 2, 2002 in Oklahoma City. He is survived by his wife: Betty Lemons; daughters: Dana Reese & husband Kip of Oklahoma City and Jan Smith & husband Richard of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Kristi Tague of El Reno, Shauna Hedden of Edmond, Ryan Tinsley of Oklahoma City and Trey Reese of Oklahoma City; great grandchildren: Logan Reese, Lacy Hedden, Aerol Hedden and Amber Hedden and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at the North Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 5, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. at Mayfair Church of Christ, 2340 N.W. 50th, OKC, with interment to follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. VONDEL L. SMITH & SON MORTUARY 13125 N. MacArthur 720-1439
Full name added and linked to parents on 15 Jan 2016, per auto SAC.∼Abe Lemons-
He was one of the most successful head basketball coaches in Oklahoma history. Lemons grew up in the town of Walters, Oklahoma. He served in World War II in the Pacific and often referred to the pressures of his war experience to put sports pressures into perspective. He joined Oklahoma City University (OCU) as a student in 1947. At OCU, Lemons excelled as a player and coach in basketball for more than 40 years. In 34 seasons of coaching, he accomplished 599 victories and 343 losses, ranking fifth among the winningest men's active collegiate coaches. He coached several All-America & future NBA players, such as Arnold Short & Hub Reed. Lemons spent 25 years as head coach at OCU. His first 18 years at OCU from 1955–1973, during which he led OCU to a 309-181 record, two NIT berths and seven NCAA tournament appearances in 1956, 1957, 1963–1966 and 1973. OCU also won the All-College Tournament in 1965. From 1973-1976 Lemons was head coach at Pan American University, where he was named 1974-1975 Texas Coach of the Year. He took the head coaching position at the University of Texas in 1976. He served as president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1977 and was named National Coach of the Year in 1978. Lemons' last season at Texas was 1982. In his second stint at OCU, he took the Chiefs to the NAIA Championship tournament once and to the District IX playoffs four times. Lemons was Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1985-1986. OCU had an undefeated season record and a trip to the NAIA tournament in 1986-1987. That year, they were ranked number one throughout the season. The season ended with a 34-1 record, Lemons' was named District 9 Coach of the Year and Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In 1987, he was named Basketball Times Coach of the Year. In 1989, he received the Jim Thorpe Lifetime Achievement Award. During his 25 years with OCU, Lemons posted a record of 432-264. He brought positive national attention to the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and OCU. He established himself as a "teacher of men," not only in sports, but in the values of life, as proven by the success and leadership accomplishments of his students and players. Lemons died on September 2, 2002 of complications from Parkinson's Disease at the age of 79.
His obituary-
LEMONS Abe, 79, passed away Monday, September 2, 2002 in Oklahoma City. He is survived by his wife: Betty Lemons; daughters: Dana Reese & husband Kip of Oklahoma City and Jan Smith & husband Richard of Oklahoma City; grandchildren: Kristi Tague of El Reno, Shauna Hedden of Edmond, Ryan Tinsley of Oklahoma City and Trey Reese of Oklahoma City; great grandchildren: Logan Reese, Lacy Hedden, Aerol Hedden and Amber Hedden and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at the North Colonial Chapel of Vondel L. Smith & Son Mortuary from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 5, 2002 at 2:00 P.M. at Mayfair Church of Christ, 2340 N.W. 50th, OKC, with interment to follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. VONDEL L. SMITH & SON MORTUARY 13125 N. MacArthur 720-1439
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