John Orlan Lemler

John Orlan Lemler was born June 4, 1916, in Iola, Kansas. He was the son of John S. and Rose C. Lemler. Orlan attended school and graduated from Pitcher High School. Following graduation Orlan attended Northeastern State University where he later graduated in 1937, with a Bachelorís degree in Music. Orlan was also united in marriage to Geraldine Wilson at that time. He initially accepted a position in Welch, Oklahoma as the band vocal director. In 1939, Orlan moved his family to Sulphur, Oklahoma where he was also the band director, remaining there until 1941. He then accepted a position with Perry High School. Orlan was later called to duty and drafted into the service of his country on January 5, 1944. He was initially stationed in Europe and served as a radio operator with the 571st Signal Company. He served the majority of his time in Europe and was honorably discharged on January 16, 1946. Orlan received the following decorations and citations: World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars. Following his return to the United States, Orlan regained his position with Perry High School. He also furthered his education at the University of Oklahoma obtaining his Master Degree in Music in 1947. During his time in Perry, Orlan was the President of Instrumental Music of Oklahoma Education Association. The Perry marching band was one of the best in the state and named ìThe Official Marching Band of Oklahoma.î Orlan was united in marriage to Mildred Elizabeth Jordan on July 11, 1963, in Spencer, Oklahoma. The couple soon moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma where Orlan taught instrumental Band until 1971. In 1971, Orlan and Mildred moved to Hominy, Oklahoma. The two were employed with Hominy Public Schools and Orlan was the band director for nearly 20 years when he retired in 1991. Orlan and Mildred remained in Hominy until 2004 when they moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma. The couple resided in Cleveland until October of 2012 when they moved to Tulsa. Orlan was an avid University of Oklahoma fan. Orlan and Mildred enjoyed square dancing as well as going fishing, boating and camping. Soon after retirement the two began traveling. They also began their lifelong dream of spreading the word of Jesus Christ throughout the United States. Orland and Mildred traveled from KOA Camp to KOA Camp talking and visiting with people about the Lord. They would talk to everyone that would listen and even those who wouldnít. Their goal was to travel to all 50 states. They made it to 32 states before they had to retire due to their health. Orlan was currently a member of the First Christian Church in Cleveland. Orlan Lemler passed from this life to be with his Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 96 years, nine months and twenty nine days. Survivors are his loving wife of nearly 50 years Mildred of the home, six children Jean Ann Cheshire of Monroe, Washington, Richard Lemler and his wife Faith of Cookson, Oklahoma, Wayne Lemler and his wife Becky of Elmira, Oregon, Terri Brown and her husband Don of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Stephen Randall and his wife Lori of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bruce Randall and his wife Robbin of Destin, Florida; ten grandchildren Mark Lemler and his wife Shelly, Dee Atkins and her husband Rusty, Jackie Mammen and her husband Kirk, Lori Brown, Darrah Fraizer and her husband Luke, Stephanie Brewer and her husband Jeremy, Heather Hatfield and her husband David, Kylie and Jacob Randall, Chad Randall, Trevor Randall and his wife Amber; sixteen great grandchildren Jake, Zeke, Callie, Katie, Baylee, Loghan, Tinsley, Sierra, Lorelel, Sophie, Presley, Chase. He was preceded in death by his parents John S. and Rose C. Lemler; one brother Piz Lemler, one sister Blanche Steele, grandson Jason Brown and son in law George Cheshire. Church Services will be held 11:00 am Friday, April 5, 2013 at First Christian Church with David Logsdon officiating. Burial was held at 10:00 am Friday in the A.J. Powell Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.