Wishard Lemons

Wishard Lemons was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1917, where he lived with his family until moving to Oklahoma City where he finished high school. He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Oklahoma City University, a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Oklahoma, and did graduate work on a Ph.D. at Boston University.

Over the years he worked in radio, sold life insurance, and was the state director of CROP (Christian Rural Overseas Program). During WWII, he served in the Navy in the Pacific. It wasn’t until 1956 that he responded to the call to the ministry. In 1968, Wishard began his affiliation with First Methodist Church in Tulsa, along with his good friend Dr. L.D. “Bill” Thomas.

It was there that First United member Bob Parker, Sr. challenged “Wish” to visit a Parker oilrig in Peru, which led to becoming Industrial Chaplain for Parker Drilling. He traveled to 135 rigs in 29 different countries tending to the psychological and spiritual well-being of their employees.

Wishard was married to Wanda Lemons for 54 years. In addition to supporting Wishard in his ministries, Wanda held various professional positions and had a long and distinguished career with Tulsa Public Schools and Oral Roberts University. She and Wishard were avid runners and participated in almost every run in Tulsa for many years, including the Wish Lemons Run. Wanda died January 13, 2013.

ABOUT WANDA LEMONS
Wanda returned to school and became an English and business teacher with a long and distinguished career in Tulsa Public Schools and Oral Roberts University.

Wanda’s life was defined by passion for her Lord, her husband and family, her church, students, and many friends. She and Wishard were avid runners and participated in almost every run in Tulsa for many years, including the Wish Lemons Run. Wanda invested all of her endless energy and talents into helping people work up from wherever they were to where they dreamed they could be. In later years, her passion became her wonderful grandchildren. Always a teacher devoted to improvement, her very last words to the family explained the correct usage of “lie” and “lay.” We love you, Wanda.

Interview with Wishard & Wanda Lemons

Program Credits:
Wishard & Wanda Lemons — Interviewee
John Erling — Interviewer
Mel Myers — Announcer

Honest Media
Mel Myers — Audio Editor
[email protected]

Müllerhaus Legacy Website Team
http://www.MullerhausLegacy.com
Douglas Miller — Art Director
Mark DeMoss — Webmaster
Laura Hyde — Upload Coordinator
Anne Hall — Transcriptionist

Date Created: February 24, 2009

Date Published: February 11, 2013

Notes: Recorded by John Erling in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Digital Audio Sound Recording, Non-Music.