In 1956 he met Theresa Stelly at a church picnic in Opelousas, Louisiana. They were married on January 18, 1958 and moved to Los Angeles, California. Together, they had three children. Eventually, they settled in West Covina, CA. The Lemelle family attended St. Christopher Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years.
He taught us how to drive a stick-shift car, play cards, enjoy nature, hike, camp in the wilderness, fish, skeet shoot, and grow vegetables and fruits. He was always taking us on an adventure.
While working full-time for the City of Los Angeles, he earned his associate degree from Los Angeles City College. He began his civil service as an animal regulation officer. He brought home animals from the shelter teaching us responsibility at an early age. He was promoted to Department of Water and Power from which he retired after 28 years with the city. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with his family.
Words cannot capture the impact our Dad had on us as well as many others. He leaves to carry on his legacy three children: Marie Lemelle, Thaddeus (Francine) Lemelle, and Sheila (Ken) Auzenne; seven grandchildren: Sabrina (D’ante) Lock, Christian (Shania) Love, Thaddeus Lemelle II, Brittney (Jeremy) Cavaco, Claudia (Lloyd) Perez, Michael Love and Mikhaila Love; four great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and sister Marie Ruth Auzenne. He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, his parents, 5 brothers and 3 sisters.
He is forever loved and always will be missed by many family members and friends.
