Roger Lemons

Roger Lemons, a longtime Harrisville resident, historian, photographer and community leader, died peacefully at home on June 15, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was 68.

Born on November 25, 1957, in Bangor, Maine, to a U.S. Air Force family, Roger’s early years were shaped by constant movement and adventure. The family celebrated his second birthday in Hawaii en route to Guam, where he spent two formative years living on the edge of the jungle. From ages 2 to 4, he was rarely seen wearing anything other than a pair of shorts, and never shoes. His family loved to joke that this wild start played a key role in forming his spirited personality. After a brief time in Florida, the family settled in Harrisville when Roger was 6.

Roger grew up roaming the streets of Harrisville with his friends, playing little league baseball and developing a deep love for his hometown. He graduated from Alcona Community High School in 1975. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Michigan State University, where he became a lifelong Spartan fan—cemented forever while watching Magic Johnson battle Larry Bird in the 1979 NCAA Championship. He also held an associate degree in photography from Lansing Community College.

Roger owned and operated a State Farm Agency on Main Street in Harrisville, investing his time, energy and resources into strengthening the local economy and community. His true passion, however, was serving as president and creative force behind the Harrisville Institute of Cultural Learning (HIOCL.org). A passionate student and educator of history and philosophy, Roger was a sponge for knowledge who retained an astonishing amount and shared it generously. He sent frequent 6 a.m. philosophical quotes, answered every “Jeopardy!” question before the contestants, and shared with friends and family his lifelong passion for learning.

Throughout the years, Roger shared his home and his heart with four community-loved Golden Retrievers: Zeb, Zak, Barzun and Redford.

An avid outdoorsman, Roger was a powerful swimmer who regularly swam with his dogs. He frequently ventured a mile out into Lake Huron, often disappearing beyond the naked eye. Roger was also a fearless black diamond skier and held season tickets at Purgatory Mountain in Durango, Colorado, where he formed many close friendships.

Roger was passionate about the arts, sports and his community. As a skilled photographer, he inspired his stepson, Mitch Ranger, to pursue a career in photography. He loved music and had his own unmistakable dance style. He was a pitcher in the Harrisville Old Timers annual baseball game and a devoted caretaker of the ducks during the Harrisville Duck Race, living by the motto, “No Duck Left Behind!” He was also beloved as Harrisville’s annual Santa Claus, brightening the holidays with his signature boisterous laugh.

Roger approached life with unrelenting intensity. A pickup basketball game got the same full presence as a dinner table filled with people he loved, and he approached everything with the same sense of adventure he brought to the slopes of Durango. Whatever he did, he did it like it mattered, because to him, it did.

Roger is survived by his brother, Dennis Lemons (Laurel) and their children, Tracy Walker (Corey) and Brian Lemons (Francesca); his sister, Linda Tuls (David) and her daughter, Christina Haskins; his stepson, Mitch Ranger; and his uncle, Jerry Lemons (Vilinda). He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Katherine Lemons.

The family is planning a celebration of life on September 19, 2026, in Harrisville, following the Old Timers Baseball Game. Details will be shared as they are available.