LEMMERS, A. EUGENE (7 July 1907-2 June 1992), inventor in the field of lighting, was born in Cleveland the son of Maurice and Florence Victoria (Bierbrier) Lemmers. After graduation from Glenville High School in 1926, he began working for General Electric at Nela Park and took college courses but did not earn a degree. While at GE he developed the first flash bulbs that photographers could safely use and actively participated in fluorescent lighting development. He designed the cathodes for George Inmans's first successful fluorescent light; the rapid start system for fluorescents; the Power Groove Fluorescent Lamp (in collaboration with John Aicher); and with Edward Hammer and Dr. Riesland, the Watt Miser Fluorescent Lamp. He also invented a shock proof socket for fluorescent lamps and a control to extend their useful life. Lemmers also devised an airtight exhaust system for the Army Air Force P-61 "Nightfighter" planes, eliminating fumes which were dangerous to the pilots. During WORLD WAR II, he also invented the first battery-operated fluorescent light for use on the airplane instrument panels. Lemmers, who held 75 patents, received the Cleveland Technical Society's Distinguished Service Award in 1981. After 66 years with GE, he retired in Feb. 1992.
Lemmers married M. Eloise Nuhn 12 Mar. 1932, and they had three children, Robert E. of Cleveland Heights, Richard E. of Gettysburg, Pa., and Mary Jane Harvey of West Bloomfield, Michigan. A resident of CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, he died at age 84 and was buried at Whitehaven Cemetery.