James W. Lehr, Jr.

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James W. Lehr, Jr.

SOUTH PARIS — James W. Lehr, Jr. passed away May 3, 2011 at the Maine Veteran’s Home in South Paris. He was born on April 18, 1947 in Louisville, KY, the son of James W. Lehr, Sr. and Erma Lehr. He grew up near Louisville and always kept a place in his heart for Kentucky, thoroughbred racing, and especially the Kentucky Derby. He was a great athlete in high school, lettering in football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. He graduated from Hardinsburg High School in 1966. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966 and served in Vietnam until returning home in 1968. He was discharged from the Marine Corps in 1969 with several decorations and commendations including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Good Conduct medal 1st AWD.

After the Marine Corps, he went on to manage several restaurant franchises including Papa Gino’s, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and many others. He moved several times with his family until settling in Manhattan, KS in 1981. He was proudest of his service to his country during Vietnam and to the non-commissioned officers at Ft. Riley, KS where he managed several of the “NCO” clubs on base.

He suffered a major stroke in 2001 leaving him nearly paralyzed on his left side. Over the next four years he lived in and out of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and with the help of family independently as much as possible. Finally in 2008 he was admitted to The Maine Veteran’s Home in South Paris. He very much enjoyed his time there where the staff took excellent care of him and saw to his extensive needs.

Mr. Lehr will be remembered for his lust for life and fun-loving spirit. He is survived by his mother, Erma Lehr of Ft. Meade, FL; his sister, Susan Melloan and her husband Jim of Houston, TX; his son, James W. Lehr, III of Norway and his wife Jennifer; his daughter, Cynthia Unger of Garden City, KS and her husband Jeff; his son, John Lehr of Overland Park, KS; his daughter, Jeannette Desmond of Johnstown, PA and two grandchildren, Ethan and Evan Unger.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to the Maine Veterans Home, C Unit, 477 High Street, South Paris, ME 04281. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. A memorial service for family will be held according to his wishes on The Gulf of Mexico in September, 2011. On-line condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.