Celebrating the life of
Dr. Robert Lehman
March 09, 1921 - July 23, 2014
Robert J. Lehman M.D., 93, passed away on July 23, 2014 in Savannah, Georgia.
A sixty year resident of Louisville, KY, he was born Mar. 9, 1921 to Chris A. Lehman & Frieda Maurer in Berne, Ind. where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at 14 years of age. He attended Bluffton College where he played basketball & met his wife of 70 years, Ruth Esther Severns,
who preceded him in death 10 months ago. He graduated from Indiana Univ. School of
Medicine in 1944 & was selected for the AOA academic honor society. He subsequently
served in the US Army Medical Corp with the rank of Captain. From 1948 – 1950 he
worked at the NY Psychiatric Institute & was certified as a Diplomat of the American
Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. In 1952, he began a thriving private practice in Louisville, KY in conjunction with Our Lady of Peace Hospital where he subsequently became President of Staff. Along with private practice, he was also an adjunct faculty member at the U of L Medical School. In 1967 he became a full time Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Psychiatric Education. He retired as Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry in 1989.
He was a gifted clinician and lecturer, being awarded the Outstanding Professor Award on several occasions by the U of L Medical students. He also served as a consultant for Jefferson County Juvenile Court, as well as an Adjunct Professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Lehman was elected to the Louisville School Board, serving as its Chairman in 1968. He was also elected President of the Kentucky Psychiatric Association. Dr. Lehman was active in many other local medical, civic, and religious groups, including the Ky. Medical Assoc., Elder of Highland Presbyterian Church, Boy Scouts of America, and the Protestant Children's Home.
Dr. Lehman was a devoted family man, an avid world traveler, and a longtime supporter of Univ. of Louisville basketball. He truly was a Renaissance man.
He is survived by Jennifer Lehman Turner of Savannah, Ga., Rebecca Lehman Perez of Savannah, Ga., Tom C. Lehman of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Celeste Lehman Smith of Kailua, Hi. 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Dr. Lehman died under the care of hospice in Savannah. The family requests that any expressions of gratitude or sympathy be made to Hospice Savannah Foundation, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, Ga. 31416, or a community mental health organization of your choice.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Louisville, KY.
Dear Lehman family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad, as well as your mom not long before. It was my privilege and joy getting to know them through our various Highland Presbyterian connections. I would sit in awe listening to your dad share what I knew was just a fraction of his lifetime experiences and stories. His genuine presence, constant interest in those around him, and quest for lifelong spiritual and other growth was inspiring! I always felt so special in his presence. Bob's devotion to and love for your mom and you all was so obvious. The way you all worked together in support of one another, across the miles, was remarkable. Your parents surely knew how much you loved them. May God continue to bless and keep you all. With love, Kristy and Jim Hubert
- Kristy Hubert, Louisville, KY
To all the family, I was sorry to read in The Courier Journal of your father's death. Thinking about him brings warm memories of days long gone when the Drs. Lehman, Doyle, Foltz, Cox, Moore, and Kasey shared office space at the Medical Arts Building...and the Lehman, Doyle, and Kasey kids attended the same schools. Both your parents always treated me with warmth and kindness and I remember them fondly. My best to you all during this sad time.
- Marian Kasey Lancaster, Louisville, KY
We are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, Bob Lehman, and of lovely Ruth preceding him less than 12 months ago. They were both so gracious and kind to us when we arrived to join the UL Dept. of Psychiatry in 1974. I consider Bob a most memorable teacher and mentor, professionally and personally. Among the many precious memories I have, two stand out. First, the wonderful Christmas parties at the Lehman home. Second, on a more personal note, a wonderful weekend I spent with Bob in Chicago attending a meeting of Psychiatry educators, during which we "snuck off" to the Field Museum where Bob gave me an unforgettable "guided "tour" through the vast jade collection. Cliff Kuhn, MD
- Connie and Cliff Kuhn, Prospect, KY
Dear Lehman Family, Your father was a wonderful, interesting man who always seemed so curious and knowledgeable about many differnt activities and subjects. As a boy, going to your house was an adventure because your mother was always so welcoming and your father would take a special interest in a young guest visiting his home. Both Ruth and Bob made people they met feel special. Your parents were wonderful people. Before Ruth and Bob moved from Louisville I had lunch with them around Christmas time. I am so glad we had that visit and reconnected. This past Saturday I had dinner at Claire Simpson's home and as we reminisced about our youth living on Cherokee Road we talked fondly of the Lehman family. As Claire said yesterday after learning of your your father's passing, we were all lucky to have such wonderful parents. It's hard to say goodbye. But they will never leave us. I send my condolences to all of you.
- Rich Cleaves, Louisville, KY
We wish to express our condolences. Dr. Lehman was a great guy and will surely be missed. -Betty and Guinever Smith
- Betty and Guinever Smith, Louisville, KY
Jenni, We are sorry to learn of your father's passing. You must be proud of his achievements and the many awards that were given to him. He lived a long productive life and that is the best that any of us can hope to do. We share your sorrow at the loss of your father and wish you and your family the very best. Love, Judy and Rick
- Rick and Judy Garner, Savannah,, GA
The Clines family sends our love and care to the Lehman family.
- Clines, Louisville, Ky
May God give y'all peace during this time of your loss Dr.Bob Lehman was a very bright man. Thanks for allowing us to take care of him it was our pleasure. H.W.L.C & STAFF
- Handle With Loving Care, Savannah, GA
Sorry for your loss, it has been a sad year for you, May your happy memories sustain you on a daily basis. Love, Kris and Dick
- Kris Nelson, Savannah, GA
Rebecca, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father.It was only 10 months ago that you lost your mother,but it comforting to know that they are together again in heaven.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. With all my sympathy, Cindy
- cindy davis , Savannah, GA
Dear Lehman family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad, as well as your mom not long before. It was my privilege and joy getting to know them through our various Highland Presbyterian connections. I would sit in awe listening to your dad share what I knew was just a fraction of his lifetime experiences and stories. His genuine presence, constant interest in those around him, and quest for lifelong spiritual and other growth was inspiring! I always felt so special in his presence. Bob's devotion to and love for your mom and you all was so obvious. The way you all worked together in support of one another, across the miles, was remarkable. Your parents surely knew how much you loved them. May God continue to bless and keep you all. With love, Kristy and Jim Hubert
- Kristy Hubert, Louisville, KY
To all the family, I was sorry to read in The Courier Journal of your father's death. Thinking about him brings warm memories of days long gone when the Drs. Lehman, Doyle, Foltz, Cox, Moore, and Kasey shared office space at the Medical Arts Building...and the Lehman, Doyle, and Kasey kids attended the same schools. Both your parents always treated me with warmth and kindness and I remember them fondly. My best to you all during this sad time.
- Marian Kasey Lancaster, Louisville, KY
We are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, Bob Lehman, and of lovely Ruth preceding him less than 12 months ago. They were both so gracious and kind to us when we arrived to join the UL Dept. of Psychiatry in 1974. I consider Bob a most memorable teacher and mentor, professionally and personally. Among the many precious memories I have, two stand out. First, the wonderful Christmas parties at the Lehman home. Second, on a more personal note, a wonderful weekend I spent with Bob in Chicago attending a meeting of Psychiatry educators, during which we "snuck off" to the Field Museum where Bob gave me an unforgettable "guided "tour" through the vast jade collection. Cliff Kuhn, MD
- Connie and Cliff Kuhn, Prospect, KY
Dear Lehman Family, Your father was a wonderful, interesting man who always seemed so curious and knowledgeable about many differnt activities and subjects. As a boy, going to your house was an adventure because your mother was always so welcoming and your father would take a special interest in a young guest visiting his home. Both Ruth and Bob made people they met feel special. Your parents were wonderful people. Before Ruth and Bob moved from Louisville I had lunch with them around Christmas time. I am so glad we had that visit and reconnected. This past Saturday I had dinner at Claire Simpson's home and as we reminisced about our youth living on Cherokee Road we talked fondly of the Lehman family. As Claire said yesterday after learning of your your father's passing, we were all lucky to have such wonderful parents. It's hard to say goodbye. But they will never leave us. I send my condolences to all of you.
- Rich Cleaves, Louisville, KY
We wish to express our condolences. Dr. Lehman was a great guy and will surely be missed. -Betty and Guinever Smith
- Betty and Guinever Smith, Louisville, KY
Jenni, We are sorry to learn of your father's passing. You must be proud of his achievements and the many awards that were given to him. He lived a long productive life and that is the best that any of us can hope to do. We share your sorrow at the loss of your father and wish you and your family the very best. Love, Judy and Rick
- Rick and Judy Garner, Savannah,, GA
The Clines family sends our love and care to the Lehman family.
- Clines, Louisville, Ky
May God give y'all peace during this time of your loss Dr.Bob Lehman was a very bright man. Thanks for allowing us to take care of him it was our pleasure. H.W.L.C & STAFF
- Handle With Loving Care, Savannah, GA
Sorry for your loss, it has been a sad year for you, May your happy memories sustain you on a daily basis. Love, Kris and Dick
- Kris Nelson, Savannah, GA
Rebecca, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father.It was only 10 months ago that you lost your mother,but it comforting to know that they are together again in heaven.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. With all my sympathy, Cindy
- cindy davis , Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
