2025-0165
Title
In Memoriam: Justice Harry Thomas Lemmon
Body
The Parish of St. Charles
IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, on April 18, 2025, Almighty God, in His Infinite Wisdom, saw fit to call from amongst us one of His most worthy servants, Justice Harry Thomas Lemmon; and,
WHEREAS, Harry Lemmon was born in Morgan City, LA to Earl and Gertrude Blum Lemmon and was a resident of St. Charles Parish. He was dedicated to his family, his wife of 64 years, Mary Ann Vial Lemmon, a U.S. District Court Judge, and his six children, Andrew, Mary Lauren, Roslyn, Carla, Jake, and Patrick; and,
WHEREAS, Harry Lemmon graduated from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana-Lafayette), and after working as a chemist for four years and serving two years in the United States Army, earned his law degree from Loyola University School of Law where he met his wife, Mary Ann Vial Lemmon; and,
WHEREAS, after only seven years in private practice and having never been a trial judge Harry Lemmon was elected to the Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeal in 1970 where he served until he was elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1980, retiring on May 16, 2001. In addition to his judicial work, he taught law school pro bono at Loyola University, Tulane University, and Louisiana State University; and,
WHEREAS, Harry Lemmon's wife of 64 years, Mary Ann Vial Lemmon, together, met during their tenure at Loyola University Law School. She was also appointed to many judgeships, such as, the Louisiana District Court, the Louisiana Court of Appeal, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where she was nominated by former President Bill Clinton in 1995, and assumed senior status in January 2011; and,
WHEREAS, Justice Lemmon chaired the Ainsworth Lecture Committee, served on the Visiting Committee for Loyola Law School, and co-authored the Louisiana Civil Law Treatise on Civil Procedure; and,
WHEREAS, Justice Lemmon was very active in civic affai...
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