John Henry Lehman Sr.'s Obituary
John H. Lehman age 85 of Lewes, DE, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 1:24 PM surrounded by family. He was born on November 27, 1937, in Media, PA, son of the late Henry C. and Ruth C. (Bach) Lehman.
Mr. Lehman was a graduate of William Penn High School in New Castle, DE. He grew up in New Castle but spent many summers in Lewes with his grandparents, Charles, and Lucrecia Lehman at their home on Pilottown Rd. A proud veteran, he honorably served in the US Army Reserves and Guard for nearly 42 years from 1955-1997, attaining the rank of CWO2. He was a proud member of the Lewes based reserve center that provided Transportation mission support with the large Amphibious LARC-V and LARC-LX down at Cape Henlopen. Later he transitioned to the Warrant Officer ranks as a Maintenance Warrant then finally attaining his certification as a Chief Engineer for the Army Tugboats out of Curtis Bay, MD.
He enjoyed an industrious career as a Telephone Lineman and Engineer for Diamond State Telephone and Verizon, retiring in 1991. John was one of the original telephone linemen, that worked in all weather, climbed the old wooden telephone poles with his climbing spikes and probably had a hand in most cable work in lower Delaware.
Mr. Lehman was an avid life-long woodworker. He had his own woodshop in his garage and would often be found on the weekends and evenings working on his latest project. His creativity and generosity will live on for generations in his beautiful fine furniture which can be found in use throughout his family’s homes. Above all, he cherished time spent with those he held most dear.
He was a longtime member of the Freemasons, and Rotary and was a Past Master of Jefferson Lodge #15 in Lewes. John was a member of the Lewes board of public works for many years and served on various committees at St Peters.
John had many accomplishments in his life, but none more rewarding than his time as a Boy Scout leader with Troop 1 in Lewes. He along with many other great men of Lewes led one of the most thriving Scout Troops in all of scouting. Affectionately given the nickname of “yogi” by the scouts, he helped guide boys to become great leaders, men of character and successes in life. A few famous scout leader quotes that sum up “Yogi’s” impact on the young men of Troop 1 in the late 60’s to 70’s. “An invaluable step in character training is to put responsibility on the individual.” “Loyalty is a feature in a boy’s character that inspires boundless hope.”
Mr. Lehman was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be genuinely missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Lehman was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Grace A. Lehman, in 2008; together they had two sons. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Anna Lou Lehman in 1985. Mr. Lehman is survived by his beloved second wife, Vivian Lehman of TX and her children Sandra Low (David Low) of League City, TX; Donna Martin (Thomas Martin) of League City, TX; and Glen Bennett of Fife, WA; his two sons: John H. Lehman Jr. (Suk Hi Lehman) of Duluth, GA and David A. Lehman (Kelly G. Lehman) of Selbyville, DE; his five grandchildren: Charles Lehman (Taeko Nezuka) and Samuel Lehman (Shakila Sharifi) both of GA, Sonya Verblaauw (Steven Verblaauw) of VA, Braeden Lehman and Carter Lehman both of DE; and his nine great-grandchildren: Mason and Hugo Lehman both of GA, Noah and Zayn Lehman both of GA, and Grace, Chloe, Joy, Jane, and Peter Verblaauw all of VA.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Masonic Funeral Rites will be performed Friday evening at the funeral home at 6:00 PM.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 200 S. Second St., Lewes, DE 19958, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM, and for those wishing to watch a live stream of the service, please visit St. Peters. Episcopal Church's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SaintPetersLewes and choose their YouTube link to be directed to the service link, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ_WNPpqjDStmsEXm1dEMcQ. A public reception at St. Peters Vestry will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the ’Alzheimer’s Association https://act.alz.org/site/TRR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?fr , or your local Hospice.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 12:00 PM ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?