Robert James Lehman

Robert James Lehman, 89, of Marissa, IL, born on September 11, 1936, in Belleville, IL to Leslie and Martha, nee McCreight, Lehman, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Memorial East Hospital in Shiloh, IL on February 3, 2026.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie, Martha and Pearl Lehman – his sister Lorene Crescenzo, – his son Andrew William Lehman – his son-in-law Larry Caldieraro, Jr. – and his great-grandson Samuel Schulte.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Imogene, nee Frieze, Lehman, his son Joseph (Karen) Lehman, his son David (Melanie) Lehman, his daughter Elizabeth Caldieraro, his daughter-in-law Kerri, nee Slightom, Lehman, and his son Daniel (Brooke) Lehman. Survivors also include 15 grandchildren – Nathan (Samantha) Lehman, Stephen (Hannah) Lehman, Aaron (Samantha) Lehman, Deborah (Ethan) Ashworth, Abbie Lehman, Ashley (Abhinav) Mohite, Sarah (Adam) Schulte, Larry (Emily) Caldieraro III, Vincent Caldieraro, Rebecca Caldieraro, Ella Lehman, Martha Lehman, Jack Lehman, Chance Lehman and Reese Lehman. Three great-grandchildren – Della Schulte, Ada Schulte and Mia Caldieraro.

Bob was a lifelong member of the Marissa Presbyterian Church. He also spent several decades staying very active with the Marissa FFA Alumni Chapter and served for several years as a volunteer fireman for the Marissa Fire Department. In addition to his full-time job as a farmer, Bob was employed by Bollmeier Construction Company, Marissa Unit District #40 as a bus driver and the United States Department of Agriculture.

From a young age, Bob learned to love getting his hands dirty working on the family farm. In 1959, with one hand on the throttle and the other one on the stick of his Piper PA 12 Super Cruiser, he earned his private pilot's license, sparking a lifelong passion for aviation. Bob enlisted in the United States Army in 1960, serving in Army Intelligence while stationed in Berlin during the construction of the Berlin Wall. After using his hands to fly his plane so low to her location that she could see him in the cockpit, Bob met Imogene and they later married on March 21, 1965.

Bob continued his lifelong hands-on education as a farmer, never formally retiring. When he wasn't using his hands to tend to the acres he farmed, he could be found constantly building things, working on equipment or sometimes, just beating it into submission. When it wasn't farming season, Bob could be found with both hands on the wheel of their RV, as he and Imogene traveled across the United States on many memorable trips. In addition to traveling, Bob enjoyed, at different stages of his life spoiling his numerous dogs, reading, and in his later years, naps. Above all else, Bob treasured time spent with family and loved ones. Through his incredible work ethic and bottomless amount of determination, Bob set a lasting example for all who were blessed to know him. There was always love in Daddy's hands.

Memorials may be made to the Illinois FFA Foundation.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Funeral: Services will be held at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00pm with Rev. Dr. Donald Wagner officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held in the Marissa Township Cemetery in Marissa, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.