Dr. Earl W. Lehman, 89, of Bluffton died at 5:27 p.m. Sept. 24, 2011, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima. He was born in Riley Township on May 22, 1922, to Albert and Pauline Zimmerly Lehman. On Sept. 29, 1945 he married Edith Stuckey and she preceded him in death on April 7, 2011.

Dr. Lehman retired from Bluffton College where he was professor of music education, vocal and instrumental director and Chairman of the Music Department.

He had also taught vocal and instrumental music in the Pandora and Bluffton public schools. He conducted major works for chorus and orchestra including Handel's "Messiah" for 17 years. He was an adjudicator of music contests in Ohio and Indiana for 20 years.

Dr. Lehman was a member of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton where he had served as minister of music. He was a graduate of Pandora High School, Bluffton College and received his Master's and Doctorate degrees from Ohio State University.

Survivors include two sons, Gene (Lynda) Lehman of Orville, James Lehman of Bluffton, two daughters, Judith (Dallas Moore) Lehman of Ann Arbor, Mich., Kerrie (Tom) Sprunger of Montpelier, eight grandchildren, Luke, Joshua, Whitney, Morgan, Lara, Katie, Taylor and Josiah, five great grandchildren, Brendan, Leah, Maggie, Colin and Parker, and a sister, Anna Ruth Reichenbach of Bluffton.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Myron and Marvin Lehman and a sister, Hazel Steiner.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Rev. Steven J. Yoder will officiate.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 Friday, Oct. 7, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to First Mennonite Church or the Earl Lehman Family Memorial Scholarship at Bluffton University.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.