Charles Louis "Chuck" Lehman Obituary (1937

Charles Louis "Chuck" Lehman 82 of Clinton, IL left this world for his heavenly home surrounded by his wife and children June 19, 2020 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL. Visitation will be 4 - 7 PM Thursday, June 25, 2020 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL. Private burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL with military honors. Memorials may be directed to Chuck Lehman Memorial Fund. He was one of eleven children born to Ernest and Mildred (Fritz) Lehman on July 11, 1937 in Springfield, IL. He like to brag that he had five brothers and 5 sisters, he being the oldest boy. His parents instilled in him the importance of a hard work ethic. Chuck graduated from Lanphier High School in 1954. While there he was a standout athlete for the Lions in both baseball and football. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army. He served his country proudly for 3 years as a medical lab technician. He loved to tell his children and grandchildren the story that while stationed in Germany, he got to draw Elvis Presley's blood. After his time in the army, he obtained his BA in Science from Illinois State and later his Masters Degree from Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He met the love of his life, Brenda Dianne Newell, while working as a lab tech at Mennonite Hospital. Brenda was a nursing student at the time and was not to date an employee. He finally won her over with his charm and smile. They were married December 28, 1963, living out their vows in the most beautiful way and she survives. They made their home in Clinton, IL in 1964 when he accepted a teaching position at Clinton High School. It was there that he became a beloved Biology Teacher, Coach, and mentor to the students of CHS until retiring in 1995. He and his good friend, Ron Sexton, began Clinton's wrestling program. He was proud of that. He also coached baseball and football. He inspired and encouraged so many of his students to love science. While raising a family, he worked many summers hiring detasselling crews and teaching night classes at Richland Community College. After retiring from teaching, he worked in the lab at Dr. John Warner Hospital. He finally retired and had time to enjoy his little piece of heaven on earth and more time with his family and grandchildren. Chuck's real pride and his legacy is his family. He was father to Arthur Louis (Cindy) of Kokomo, IN; Charles Alan (Cindy Abner), Sara Jo Bateson both of Clinton, IL; and William Andrew (Angie Dunakey) of Kenney, IL. He was the kind of Dad who showed his children unconditional love, how to treat their mother, how to work hard for what they want, to love the great outdoors and sports. They all survive him. His favorite thing to be was a grandpa and great grandpa, he was the best! He lit up when he talked about his grandchildren. Those blessed to call him grandpa were, Kate (Scott) Basinger, Ohio; Ashley (Tequah) Robinson, Texas; Hannah (Matt) Bell, Gibson City; Carissa Blankenship (Dustin Barr), Tennessee; Ciera Blankenship, Bloomington; Heather (Jake) Ziegler, Decatur; Russell (Alyson) Brown, Clinton; Libby and Ella Bateson, Clinton. Great grandchildren, Natalie, Morgan, Brooklynn all of Ohio; Brynlee, Maeve, Nylah all of Tennessee; Maddie, Decatur; Bryce, Gibson City; and Oakleigh, Texas. All survive grandpa. He is survived by brothers Larry (Carlene) Lehman, Centralia; Steve Lehman, Springfield; David (Janet) Lehman, Riverton, sister Denise Lehman, Sherman; many special nieces and nephews, and "bonus" kids. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters. Chuck was a son, brother, grandson, husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandpa, and great grandpa. Most importantly, he was loved and will be missed by many.