2-S4's Past District Governors

2024-2025: PDG Devin Lemon’s service journey began young, inspired by his father, the late Lion Thomas Lemon Jr. A dedicated leader in the Sweeny Lions Club, he’s attended global conventions, completed top leadership programs, and earned honors like the Melvin Jones Fellowship. A life member of several humanitarian causes, Devin proudly supports the Texas Lions Camp and Museum. Known for his warm smile and giving spirit, he truly lives the motto: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

2023-2024: PDG Madeline Birdsong became a Lion in 2009 with the Freeport Host Lions Club and has since served in multiple roles including Club President, Zone Chair, and District Governor. A devoted Leo advocate, she’s led youth engagement across the district. A middle school reading teacher, Madeline is also a proud mother of four and grandmother of three. She finds deep fulfillment in serving her community through Lionism.

2022-2023: PDG Vicky Dulin joined the Blessing EFLM Lions in 2013 after moving from Houston. Inspired by a childhood role helping blind students, she’s remained committed to service. She’s held leadership roles including Club President, Zone Chair, and Texas Lions Museum Trustee. Now a Palacios Lion, Vicky was installed as District Governor of 2-S4 in Montreal. She served her district with heart and dedication.

2021-2022: PDG Vivian Janysek has been a Lion since 2015 and a proud charter member of the Karnes City Lions Club. She served as Club President, District Governor (2021–2022), and Council Treasurer. A tireless volunteer, she’s led service projects and training efforts across Texas. A Texas Master Florist, community leader, and devoted grandmother, Vivian believes strong communication fuels leadership, unity, and growth. Her motto: “Where there is a need, there is a Lion. We Serve!”

2020-2021: PDG Billy Gray joined the Lake Jackson Lions Club in 1985 and has held every club office, many more than once. He’s served as Zone Chair, Region Chair, 2nd VDG, and District GST. A Melvin Jones Fellow and Jack Wiech Fellow, he’s deeply committed to service—helping restore sight in Mexico and boosting district service reporting. A retired Dow Chemical employee, Billy and his wife Lion Nancy share 31+ years of service and family joy with two kids and three grandkids.

2019-2020: PDG Roberta Brieden served as District Governor for 2019–2020 and is a proud member of the Palacios Lions Club. She and her husband, EJ, have three grown children and seven grandchildren. A passionate traveler, Roberta has explored Spain, Ireland, Japan, Italy, and Alaska. Her personal philosophy reflects her warm spirit: “Meeting new people is a fun way to enjoy the world and enjoy God’s creation.”

2018-2019: PDG Debbie Deleon Davant, charter member of the Blessing EFLM Lions Club since 2012, served as Charter President, Zone 7 Chair, and District Governor (2018–2019). A certified Vision Screener and Life Member of the Texas Lions Camp, she’s earned multiple honors including the Jack Wiech Fellow award. Married to Lion Bill for 38 years, Debbie cherishes their 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandkids, and 6 beloved furbabies.

2017-2018: PDG Jerry Gilbert, a member of the Manvel-Iowa Colony Lions Club since 1992, has served in every club office, including six terms as President. A Melvin Jones Fellow and Texas Lions Camp Life Member, he’s been active on the District 2-S4 Cabinet since 1995. He’s held roles from District Governor to Webmaster and Youth Exchange Chair. Jerry and his wife, Lion Leiloni, share a life of service, two adult children, one son-in-law, and four beloved dogs.

2016-2017: PDG Malaki Gore, a charter member of the Victoria Downtown Lions Club since 2013, has served Lions for over 30 years. Previously in District 2S-1, she held numerous leadership roles and earned honors including the Melvin Jones and Jack Wiech Fellowships. Owner of Professional Underwriters, Inc., she lives in Goliad County with her partner Johnny. A devoted mother and grandmother, Lion Malaki remains committed to service and leadership in Lionism.

2015-2016: PDG Billie Rae Gillas, a Lion since 1994, served as District Governor in 2015–2016. A proud Galveston Lions Club member since 2005, she’s held multiple roles and earned honors including the Melvin Jones and Jack Wiech Fellowships and two International President’s Medals. With degrees in psychology and leadership, she also volunteers as a TaxAide preparer, knits for Wool-Aid, and plays classical piano. She and her husband, Lion Joe, are proud parents of two talented adult children.

2014-2015: PDG Mitch Thames, a Bay City Lions Club member since 2005, has served in nearly every club role, including President and Chair of key fundraisers. A Melvin Jones and Jack Wiech Fellow, he’s also a Texas Lions Camp Life and Century Club member. Mitch has held multiple district roles and served as District Governor for 2014–2015. He and his wife, Lion Carolyn, are proud parents of three grown children and loving grandparents to three granddaughters.

2013-2014: PDG Ronnie Martin of the Brazosport Breakfast Lions Club served as District Governor in 2013–2014. A Progressive Melvin Jones and Jack Wiech Fellow, he’s sponsored over 130 members and helped charter 17 clubs. Under his leadership, Freeport Host was named the #1 growth club in North America. Ronnie also serves on multiple community boards and has earned top honors, including an International President’s Medal. His legacy is rooted in service, leadership, and growth.

2013-2014: PDG Vic Morgan, a Lion since 1975, served as District Governor for 2T3 in 2013–2014. A longtime member of the Alpine and Victoria Lions Clubs, he’s also a former president of Sul Ross State University and the University of Houston-Victoria. A dedicated educator, leader, and community servant, he’s held roles with the Boy Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, and more. Vic cherishes the memory of his wife Mary Jane and son Jason and is a proud father to son Jeremy.

2012-2013: PDG Mary "Jeannie" Cobb

2011-2012: PDG Randy Morton

2010-2011: PDG Julie Dentler, a Lion since 1980 and member of the Goliad Lions Club, served as District Governor for 2010–2011. She and her husband, PDG Charles Dentler, have two children and three grandchildren. A Melvin Jones Fellow and Progressive Jack Wiech Fellow, Julie has earned numerous honors including multiple International President’s Medals. Dedicated to global service, she and Charles served as International Understanding Chairs for District 2-S4.

2009-2010: PDG William Roe

2008-2009: PDG Howard Clayton, a Lion since 1986 and member of the Texas City Noon Lions Club, served as District Governor in 2008–2009. A U.S. Navy veteran and retired engineer, he’s earned top honors including the International President’s Leadership Award and Hurricane Ike Hero Medal. He’s a Melvin Jones and Progressive Jack Wiech Fellow and serves on multiple Lions boards. Widowed from Lion Bonnie, he has 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren and remains active in his church and community.

2007-2008: PDG Dr. Fred Cessac

2006-2007: PDG Jewel L. Than Colvin

2005-2006: PDG John Simpson Jr.

2004-2005: PDG Ernest Opella

2003-2004: PDG Bob Griffith

2002-2003: PDG Lewis Gardner

2001-2002:

2000-2001:

1999-2000:

1998-1999: PDG Charles Dentler, a Lion since 1978 and member of the Goliad Lions Club, served as District 2-S4 Governor in 1998–1999. A Progressive Melvin Jones and Jack Wiech Fellow, he’s earned numerous honors including the International President’s Leadership Medal and Ed Flood Award. Charles and his wife, PDG Julie Dentler, shared the role of International Understanding Chair for District 2-S4. They have two children and three grandchildren, and continue to serve Lions with passion and pride.

1997-1998: