Bruce E. Lehman

Bruce E. Lehman, 75, of Watertown, NY, passed peacefully to heaven on November 2, 2024, at his home, where he was under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County and surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on September 23, 1949, in Potsdam, NY, Bruce was the son of David W. and Virginia (Richards) Lehman. He graduated from Vestal High School. Later he served his country by joining the United States Air Force on March 2, 1970. He was honorably discharged on November 30, 1976, at the rank of Sergeant, and was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster, along with the Air Force Medal, in recognition of his dedicated service.
After his service to his country, Bruce began a long and fulfilling 33-year career in the bread industry. He worked for Wonder Bread, Freihofer's and George Weston Bakeries, and he owned and operated his own route for 4 years, until his final retirement from the bread industry in 2009. Not ready to fully retire, Bruce worked as a school bus driver for the South Jefferson School District from 2009 until 2022. One of his favorite parts as a bus driver was driving his students to their away games and cheering them on alongside their families' and building relationships with them as well.
On December 4, 1999, Bruce married the love of his life, Merredith Russell, in Watertown. Bruce and Merredith, a longtime employee of the Veterans Affairs Office, shared many happy years together before he became ill. And from there their marriage became even stronger as they fought his battle together. Their strong faith being at the very center.
Bruce's life was defined by his deep faith, love for family, and passion for music. He enjoyed spending quiet moments on his back deck, finding peace and solace there. Known for his meticulous care of his cars, he owned many classics over the years, including the Trans-AM, Road Runner, a few Chargers and his last car, the Dodge Challenger. Bruce was also an avid golfer, well known in the local golf community and even achieving a hole-in one along the way. He cherished the time spent with his golf buddies, Vaughn Shoen and Paul LaBreck, and relished the friendly competition of weekly leagues. Another favorite pass time was his Tuesday mornings at DD having coffee and donuts with his three buddies, Vaughn Shoen, Tom Cesta, and Jim Elliott.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Merredith, two sons, Command Sergeant Major Jason Lehman of Troy, NY, and Lieutenant Colonel Mathew (Tasha) Lehman of Burlington, VT; a daughter, Alyson (Ben) McIntosh of Lovettsville, VA, and his nine grandchildren and great-grandson. He was also a loving parent to Klaus (Olivia) Russell of Georgetown, SC, Jason Russell of Virginia, and Lisa (Ryan) St. Amand of Haverhill, MA, and their nine grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; two sisters Bonnie (Fred) Conn of Massena, NY and Nancy Lehman, Binghamton, NY and two nephews and on niece..
He was predeceased by his parents and maternal grandparents, Walter and Catherine Richards.
Arrangements are with the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home.
Calling hours will be 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, November 16th at the Airport Christian Fellowship Church, followed by a celebration of life at the church with military honors.
Online condolences can be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com
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