Wade Lehman

BLUFFTON — Wade A. Lehman, 81, passed from this life on July 21, 2018, at his residence. He was born October 20, 1936, in Bluffton to the late Peter A. and Eunice (Burkholder) Lehman.

Wade served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea for 2 years after the Korean War. He was a member of the Army's traveling basketball team and also won many awards for his sharpshooting rifle skills.

He faithfully supported his family thru his work of 30 years at Scotlad/Roundy's foods and was a member of Moose Lodge 199 and Eagles Lodge Aerie 370 both in Lima.

Wade loved woodworking and could often be found in his shop where he refinished antiques and crafted furniture, toys, hope chests, M&M dispensers and many other items that he gifted to his family and friends. He often made handcrafted donations to the Mennonite Relief Sale held in Kidron, Ohio. The items he made are cherished heirlooms each marked with a special stamp noting that he had created it.

He loved all things Buckeye, the Cleveland Indians, and Cleveland Browns. He often cheered them on during a big game or talked about them with his friends. The 'game' was always on.

Wade loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Ladonna with whom he spent 54 years; a son, Kurt (Karen) Lehman; a daughter, Kara (Peter) Gandesbery; two grandchildren, Kristyn Lehman and Zachary Wade (Ally) Lehman; three sisters, Wanda (Charles) Lyman, Lois Lyman, Marge (Don) Lyman and many nieces and nephews; and his cherished friends Chuck Pinney and Jake Basinger who visited him frequently even during his final days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter A. and Eunice Lehman; three sisters, Ruby Lugibihl, Adah Lehman and Wilma Lehman; two brothers, Wilmer Lehman and Evan Lehman; and a brother in law Merton Lyman. Wade was a very giving and loving man. He cared for his elderly mother and two of his sisters who preceded him during their final years and was also known to lend a hand to anyone in need.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton. There will not be a funeral service as he has generously donated his body to UTMC where he is hopeful that students may glean knowledge to help others. Out of town family, guests and friends will be hosted privately. Please dress casually and in your favorite Buckeye game day shirt.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Putnam County Hospice, 575 Ottawa-Glandorf Road #3, Ottawa, Ohio 45875, who have been a constant source of care and support in the last year.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.