SUN CITY WEST, AZ—Gerhardt “Jerry” Lehman passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, in Sun City West, Ariz., with Betty, his wife of 70 years, by his side.
Jerry was born in Irvington, N.J., on November 3, 1929, and was the only child of German immigrants, Erwin and Elisabeth (Bartsch) Lehman.
Jerry loved flying and after school, he walked to the local airport in New Jersey to take lessons and earn his pilot’s license at a young age. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force and obtained a rank waiver to attend flight engineer training as an airman. During his time in the Air Force, he participated in the Berlin Airlift. Jerry made flying his career, working as a flight engineer on DC-8s and 747s while traveling worldwide.
Jerry was always self-driven to explore new ways to try and make things he worked with better. He kept himself busy either building a family home or applying his ingenuity to everything impacting his life. After living in Lakewood N.J., and Brick, N.J., Jerry and Betty chose to retire to Virginia to be near the water, so he could continue enjoying his passion of sailing. Even in retirement his boundless energy led him to single handedly build several airplane hangars at Hummel Field.
Jerry and his wife traveled extensively enjoying their years in retirement. He was a devoutly religious man who loved his family and friends, always wanting to be helpful and encouraging to his acquaintances. He always enjoyed a good laugh, conversation and his grandchildren. He was a father to be proud of and his Spirit will always touch those who knew Jerry.
He is predeceased by his parents and his young daughter, Louise Meredith Lehman.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Slade Lehman; and sons, William Timothy (Theresa), Howard Russell (Carol) and Thomas Gerhardt (Robin). He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Megan, Katie, Shelby, Stephanie, Russell, Jarrett and Brandon; and four beautiful great-grandchildren, Hudson, Lynden, Grayson and Remi. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Brookdale Camino del Sol memory care, for the excellent care provided to Jerry and family. Services will be private.
Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel and Crematorium of Sun City West, Ariz., handled the arrangements.
