Richard Lehman

1948 - 2024

Richard Lehman

Richard Wayne Lehman, 76, of Pandora, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Willow Ridge in Bluffton. He was born March 18, 1948, to Marvin and Geneva Lehman of Pandora. On June 5, 1971, he married Linda LeVan of West Mansfield, who passed away Oct. 8, 2021. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Andrea L. Lehman on Jan. 23, 1982.

He is survived by four children, Amy Lehman (David) Mikesell of Bluffton, Aaron (Kathy) Lehman of Richwood, Anna (Clarence) Yau of Kandern, Germany and Aric Lehman of Pandora. He is a grandpa to six grandchildren, Caleb and Isaiah Mikesell, Austin and Silas Yau, and Andrew and Kelsi Lehman. Jason Johnson is also a special family friend who survives in Lexington, Kentucky.

Rich grew up in a farming family and never lost his love of it. He graduated from Pandora Gilboa High School in 1966. He attended Bluffton College and majored in chemistry. After graduation in 1970, he taught math and science at Kalida High School for two years. He was the owner of Amoco and later Cropmate fertilizer plant in Bluffton for several years, combining his skills in chemistry with his love of farming. He went on to work as a chemist for several companies, including Nationwide Industries in Pandora. While he worked for Nationwide, he improved the chemical formula for their popular product "Fix-A-Flat" which is still commonly sold today. In 1989, he purchased a small business called Quality Products which made chrome polish for industrial use. Over the years, he grew this company, and it became his full-time job, manufacturing aerosols and other products for industry. At one point he was one of only half a dozen aerosol chemists east of the Mississippi River. Rich was an active member of his community. Over the years, he served on the board of Mennonite Memorial Home, St. John Mennonite Church Missions Committee, Mennonite Brotherhood Aid, and a farming initiative in the Ukraine. He was a frequent volunteer at Beaverdam Chapel for Transport for Christ. Most of all, Rich and his wife, Linda, were faithful volunteers at Rally Point Youth Center in Lima. He was a mentor, tutor, driver, listener and devoted friend to many teens. For many years, Rich taught the sixth grade Sunday school class at St. John (Mennonite) Bible Church, where he had been an active member his entire life. Rich was not an extrovert and never liked to be in the spotlight. However, his faithful service and commitment to his family, church family, and community were always evident through his quiet, wise, committed manner. His actions spoke for his deep faith, and he strove to live out his convictions in everyday life.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, and from 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at St. John Bible Church in Pandora. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at St. John Bible Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either St. John Bible Church, in care of the missions committee or Rally Point Youth Center in Lima.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services – Bluffton.

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