William John Lehm (79) of Virginia Beach Passed away peacefully on the evening of March 20th 2023. William fondly known as Bill was born to Kenneth and Ruth Lehm on July 28th 1943 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He grew up in Swissvale and was in the graduating Swissvale High school class of ’61 along with the love of his life Beverly who he married on October 5th 1963 and was a devoted husband of 59 years until death did them part.
Bills 35 year career in the airline industry took off in 1967 which rewarded him with countless stories and friendships that have truly lasted a lifetime. If you were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him then you know Bill fit the bill that To Know Him Is To Love Him.
Bill is survived by a family who will miss him dearly. His wife Beverly, there 3 sons Shawn, Kent, and Darren, granddaughter Jamie, grandson Tyler, and great grandson Evan. Aside from his love for his family, his Steelers, of which triggered many 4th quarter walks around the block along with many celebratory high fives on his return for the 4th quarter game winning last drives, his couple hole in ones on the links, Bill was a passionate Philanthropist, was raised to the degree of Master Mason in 1985 by his Brothers of Willis V. Fentress # 296 and then in 2005 entered into The Order Of The Mystic Shrine of Khedive Temple. Noble Brother Father Bill actively volunteered his hours as a Khedive Road Runner transporting patients to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Bills heart was for “The Beat Of Khedive” aka Khedive Shriners Drum & Bugle Corps. The time Bill spent giving back through community events with his Corps as Directors 2009-2010 and his untiring devotion to the Corps was recognized by his fellow Corpsmen with his status be raised to Honorary. A Status of which has only be held by 5 Corpsmen since the D & B was established in 1921. My Dad was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life!!!
Bill will have his service with Masonic Rites presented by his Brothers of Wills V. Fentress Lodge #296 on Saturday April 1st 2023 at 1:00P The service will be held at Providence Presbyterian Church 5497 Providence Rd V.B. The family will be welcoming friend to Krossroads Rock and Country Bar for food and drinks following the service. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to Khedive Shriners Transportation Fund and Melanoma Research Alliance of the ACS.
I am very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I don’t believe we ever met in person, but we did speak on the phone. Bill is my Mom’s cousin (Edith Powell). We shared pictures of the family and spoke as friends, but I gather Bill was a friend to many. Bill, you are in the heart of many. My condolences to all his family, friends, and everyone who loved him.
Bill was a loyal friend and colleague. His jovial attitude always made our workdays more pleasant. Condolences to his loving family and many friends. May his memories be a forever blessing.
I have wonderful memories of Bill and always appreciated the support and guidance he gave me during my tenure in Norfolk at United Airlines. And I thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent on breaks at the game machines in the airport lobby!
And I always enjoyed going over to their house to visit as I lived not too far from them.
And I appreciate his dedication to the Masonic order as my dad was also a Mason.
May Bill rest in peace.
Bill was a true friend of mine. I first encountered Bill while working at United Air Lines. He sorta took me under his wing and I soon realized he was a person I could trust, While at work we both realized we had a passion for golf and spent many a day at Stumpy Lake. Bill ticked all the boxes of what a friend is. He helped me move into my first house and 5 years later he helped me move out .He was there when I got married and then again when my wife passed away. Bill, your wit and spirit will be missed. your friend JB
We are so sad to lose such a great man. You know how there are those magnetic people, with a heart so big it is obvious shortly after meeting them, who always have a smile on their face and laughs both with you and at themselves, and just simply is a joy to be around? Yes, they are rare, and I’m honored to have the perfect example of such a person as a friend in Bill.
Bill will be so sorely missed. Our thoughts are with all those who will miss him as much as we will.
Bill was my friend and I was one of many of his golf buddies.
For over 10 years Bill and I shared a golf cart every Tuesday
for the Shriners golf outings. You would be suprised of the subjects
two men would cover in 4-1/2 hrs every Tuesday.
I miss those times, may you rest in peace.
Bill was a friend and coworker at United Airlines. The fun of working with Bill always a laugh and smile. He will be missed, may he rest in peace 🙏
One of the nicest persons I had the privilege to know! You will truly be missed.
Rest in Peace until we meet again.
The first time I met Mr. Lehm Kent and I were playing pool in the front room, Taffy starts to bark Bill blazes in sporting his United Airlines apparel ( Which was very impressive in this young mans eyes) and belts out “Bev who the hell is that kid on my pool table?” needless to say I quickly put that pool stick down! As he rounds the corner from the kitchen, looks me dead in the eye and says, “Boy, don’t think for one second that I didn’t see you with that cue in your hand. First of all I don’t recognize you or know you but if you rip my felt you or your parents will pay for it and you wont step foot in my house again!” “Yes sir” I replied. “Well you don’t look like much but at least you have manners, just don’t forget what I said.” One very ” I don’t take any crap” impression was received loud and clear! Over the years Bill’s stern look led to that charismatic smile. I would run into him in various places, always with a good hand shake, fantastic conversation, quick updates exchanged, a firm hand on my shoulder/ pat on the back, and out the door he goes… Bill never candy coated anything, his honest opinion was voiced without hesitation or mercy. Good old school straight shooter. I find myself privileged to have met and had the chance to know a bit about him ( a very reserved man when it came to personal information, at one point I wondered if he was a Fed. and absolutely no one knew about it.) Not only Bill but Mrs. Bev! Such a caring, GIVING, and super friendly person. She, at the drop of a hat would cram as many of us boys and surfboards into the Valiant and drive us to sandbridge which provided us with SO many memories and stories, really good stories! To you Mrs. Beverly, Shawn, Kent, Darren, my and the Jones family’s most sincere condolences to you all. Bill will be missed dearly. Till the next one Bill….. Rest in peace my friend.