Harold Eugene Lehman, 84, died on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton, Ohio, where he resided since December 2014.
Harold was born Aug. 6, 1932, in Lancaster County, Pa., to Daniel and Ada (Hossler) Lehman who preceded him in death. On Feb. 3, 1954, he married Beulah (Kinsey) Lehman who died Aug. 5, 1998. On Nov. 18, 2000, he married Bonnie (Krantz) Lehman who survives.
Harold worked as a farmer as well as a cost estimator at Air Preheater Company in Wellsville, N.Y. Following his retirement he traveled the region to sell and install Taylor furnaces.
Many children and youth spent time in the Lehman home in foster care. Harold recorded memories of his growing-up years and the years of raising a family in his two-book series titled Gold Earrings.
Harold is survived by 11 children: Vernon Lehman (wife Mary) of Cuba, N.Y.; Louise Matthews (husband Lawrence) of Bluffton, Elaine Zello (husband Jim) of Canon City, Colo., Wayne Lehman (wife Vicki) of Westfield, Pa.; Anita Eastlack (husband Karl) of Allentown, Pa., Eugene Lehman of Fennville, Mich.; Mervin Lehman of Knoxville, Tenn.; Alma Thompson (husband Brent) of Columbus, Ohio, Daryl Lehman (wife Virginia) of Jamestown, N.Y.; Pauletta Schenck (husband Roger) of Landis, N.C. and Paul Lehman (wife Renee) of Buffalo Junction, Va.; as well as 43 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Four siblings also survive: John Lehman (wife Elizabeth) of Westfield, Pa.; Betty Gerlach of Manheim, Verna Habecker (husband Chet) of Lititz, Pa. and Leroy Lehman (wife Nancy) of Manheim, Pa. Harold is also survived by his wife, Bonnie Krantz Lehman as well as three step-sons: Tim Krantz (wife Kim), Jeff Krantz (wife April) and Mike Krantz, as well as eight step-grandchildren, all of Clarence Center, N.Y.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Beulah, son, Glenn Lehman, and siblings, Marlin Lehman and Mildred Pott.
A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15 at Yorks Corners Mennonite Church, 3350 County Road 29, Wellsville, N.Y. Burial will be at Yorks Corners Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Embser Funeral Home at 34 West State Street in Wellsville, N.Y., 14895 and one hour before the funeral at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Penn-York Camp, 266 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, Pa., 16948 or Mennonite Memorial Home, 410 West Elm Street, Bluffton, Ohio 45817.
