Lemons work side-by-side for five decades

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Husbands and wives frequently work side-by-side in their day jobs. Many own businesses together. But few are quite like Wilbert and Ethel Lemon. The couple has operated their separate businesses side-by-side for a little more than 50 years. Wilbert is the owner of Lemon’s TV Repair and Ethel is the owner of Ethel’s Beauty-a-rama. “We opened in 1964, somewhere around April,” Wilbert said. “I went to an area trade school in Denmark, and my wife studied (cosmetology). We came back home and set up our businesses right next to each other.” Today, Wilbert works primarily on TVs, but he also repairs computers. “I made a living at it all these years, but these days people tend to throw away old appliances and just get new ones,” he said. “I do have those customers that keep coming year-after year, though. I can keep working and pay the bills, so I like it.” Ethel said she began working on hair as a hobby when she was just 11. “I offer perms, hair cuts and hot combs,” she said. “Used to be I charged 25 cents to $1 for a hair cut when we started. “ Both have continued their respective educations to stay ahead in their businesses. “I stay in classes,” Wilbert said. “I read up on RCA, Zenith, all the brands. I go online and do research. I’m technically already retired, but I still enjoy working.” At 75 and 73, Wilbert and Ethel, respectively, say working keeps them active and healthy. “I don’t know when we’ll stop,” Ethel said. “We have a good business and a good life.”