Willis Lehmann

WILLIS H. LEHMANN, 87, died at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 2006, at Lima Memorial Health System. He was born April 8, 1919, in Millbury to Henry and Ida Marie Burkholder Lehmann, who preceded him in death. He married Lillian M. Bahnsen, who preceded him in death. On June 4, 1983, he then married Helen McMaster, who survives in Lima. Mr. Lehmann was a member of New Creation Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 199, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 21 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275. He was an avid member of several antique machinery organizations, especially for steam engines. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II, serving from Aug. 25, 1942, to Jan. 5, 1946. He served as staff sergeant working as gunnery instructor 938 with the 680th Bomb Squadron, 540th Bomb Group. He had been stationed on the island of Tinian in the Mariana Island chain, which includes the islands of Guam and Saipan. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, the American Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He had a great love for life, especially for his love of 23 years, his wife, and their family. Survivors include five children, Ron (Sue) Lehmann, of Atlanta, Alan (Judy) Lehmann, of Elida, Kay (Michael) Hagerdon, of Jasper, Ind., Christine (Paul) Voohris, of Piqua, and Robert (Jane) Lovett, of Dayton; nine grandchildren, Sally Lehmann, Travis Lehmann, Shelly Carmean, Sandee (Ross) Jaehn, Joe Vettori, Sgt. Shanon Hauenstein, Patrick Hagerdon, Robert Hagerdon and Andrew Hagerdon; 13 great-grandchildren, with another on the way; and a sister, Verla Winegardener, of Toledo. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Merlin and Cloyse Lehmann; and a sister, Ruth Brentlinger. Services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Pastor Samuel Payne will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites by VFW Post 1275. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children Developmental Center at Lima Memorial Health System. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.