Thomas Mike Lehner

Thomas M Lehner age 95 died peacefully on April 4th, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a brief illness.
He was a lifelong resident of Akron; he was a graduate of Buchtel High School where he participated in track. He enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1948 and was honorably discharged in October of 1952. While in the Navy he served as an Engineman Third Class on the USS Clamagore (SS343), which was a Balao-Class Submarine that was based in Key West Florida. He was very proud of his service in the United States Navy. He could often be seen wearing his baseball cap, with the name of his submarine displayed on the front. He was proud of the fact that this would get the attention especially of other veterans. When someone saw the hat, they would frequently ask about it and thank him for his service. He would beam with pride as he talked about his experience on the sub. He had a lot to share with fellow submariners and other veterans from different branches of the US Military.
Shortly after returning home to Akron from the military, he went back to work for The Ohio Bell Telephone Co, where he had been briefly employed prior to his service. This is where he met the love of his life Rosemary Blubaugh, and they were married in September of 1954. They originally lived in Akron until moving to Cuyahoga Falls in 1964 where they continued raising their 10 children for the next 37 years. They had many more than 10 children because all the other "kids" that would come over to visit, were made to feel at home and were treated as members of the family, many stay in touch to this day. They moved to Norton in 2001, to downsize, but also where they were very proud of having a "nice piece of property, where the grandkids could play when they came over".
He loved all sports, but he was an avid golfer. He started playing golf in his teens and golfed well into his late early 90's. He enjoyed golfing 2 or 3 days a week with his golfing buddies and when they couldn't golf, they spent time together going out to eat. When playing with his sons and grandsons, he was not humble when he appeared to always win the round. He also bowled for many years in many different leagues, eventually playing on teams with his family. In the summer months he enjoyed Cleveland Indians baseball. Always hoping to see them win one more World Series, they could only get close. He always had an opinion about the different managers they had over the years, all you had to do was ask him. He was a year-round fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, and was fortunate enough to see them win the National Championship this year in football, he never missed a game. He had an amazing memory for the statistics about the team and kept us updated all year. He was particularly proud of having the opportunity to be an Usher with Tom Blubaugh at a few Ohio State Football home games, where they would stand on the sidelines and watch the game. He was involved in youth sports as a coach, assistant coach and in the later years as an active spectator. He really enjoyed spending those times with his children and grandchildren watching them play.
He retired from the Ohio Bell Telephone Co (AT&T), in 1991 after 43 yrs of service, where he was a Foreman for 21 years. After retirement he continued to work odd jobs like transporting cars and being a starter on a golf course. He also was a very good craftsman and wood working. He would make Christmas presents for the family such as games, small pieces of furniture, and marionettes instead of store-bought presents. Many of those are still around today.
He loved camping, the family taking their first trip to Florida in 1967. He continued to camp until his early 90's. On weekends and holidays, he would be out camping with the rest of the family, working on his crossword puzzles and telling stories. He always had a bag of spiced gum drops sitting around and loved a hot dog cooked on the fire.
Most of all he was dedicated to his family. He was happiest when everyone was together camping, watching games, celebrating birthdays and holidays and he felt that these were just a few of the many reasons to get together. He never grew tired of hearing and telling stories and he had many stories. He loved telling people that he had 37 grandchildren, 76 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren and of those there were 57 boys and 60 girls. He made a point of saying that including those that married into the family, "I have almost 200 people in my family", disagreeing with the idea that the number was probably closer to 160. He is leaving behind the incredible legacy of a loving and close family. He'll be missed by everyone.
He is preceded in death by Rosemary (nee Blubaugh), wife and best friend of 52 years, and his daughter Michele and son-in-law Robert "Rusty" Karam, his great granddaughter Meredith Theresa Merton, his parents Thomas A and Suzanna Lehner, his sister Sue and her husband Harry Rasor, his brother-in-law John "Jack" Blubaugh, brother-in-law Thomas and his wife Patricia Blubaugh, brother-in-law James and his wife MaryAnn Blubaugh, brother-in-law Daniel Blubaugh, his longtime friends and golfing buddies Mel Dunkin and Phil Holmer.
He is survived by his children Dr Thomas (Patricia), Edward (Catherine), Gary (Margaret), Ellen Norman, David (Gayla), Rebecca Davenport (Michael), KC (Patricia), Joseph (Ronda), Andrew (Stacie), his brother-in-law Stephen Blubaugh (Gayle), his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and the many people and friends whose lives he's touched over the years.
We want to express our sincerest gratitude to the staff at The Village of St Edwards in Fairlawn and The Village of St Edwards in Wadsworth. The entire staff at both facilities provided exemplary care for him and support to his family over the last year, often during difficult times. We are also grateful to Gentiva Hospice for the excellent care and kindness they provided at the end of his life.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday April 8 from 4-7pm at the Anthony Funeral Home - Akron Chapel 1990 S Main Street. A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday April 9 at 10am at Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church 1866 Brown St in Akron. Interment with full military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.
In lieu of flowers remembrances can be made in Tom's memory to the Village of St Edwards Foundation 3131 Smith Road Akron Ohio 44333 or to Gentiva Hospice Foundation by visiting www.app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GentivaFoundation.
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