Leonard “Wayne” Lehman, 89, of Mulberry, Kansas died Sunday, October 8, 2023, at his home in rural Mulberry, Kansas.
Wayne was born on February 12, 1934 to Leonard and Addie Jameson Lehman at their family home atop Lehman hill south of Mulberry where he spent his entire life. He graduated from Mulberry High School in 1951 and on June 12, 1953 married his high school sweetheart, Velda Hart at Cherry Grove Church south of Ft. Scott, Kansas. Wayne always wanted to be a farmer and started farming at the age of 12 with only horse-drawn equipment. After high school he worked two jobs, Kansas City Southern and Hudson Oil, and milked cows by hand to accumulate enough to pursue his goals. In 1957 he quit his jobs and began being a fulltime dairyman, which he did for many years. After selling the dairy cows, he raised beef cattle until somewhat retiring to become a fulltime aid and helper to his three sons in their farming and cattle ventures. He was very active on the boards of the Soil Conservation Service, the Crawford County Extension Council, and the Mulberry Senior Citizens where he served for many years. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Velda, three sons, John (Betty) Lehman, Mark (Deb) Lehman, and Tim (Rita) Lehman all of Girard, seven grandchildren, Sarah (Adam) Paulin of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jason (Nelle) Lehman of Arcadia, Jacob (Amanda) Lehman, Zach (Abby) Lehman, Lindsay (Rob) Murphy, Rees Lehman, and Dawson Lehman all from Girard, ten great grandchildren, Luke, Natalie, Ryder, Ashton, Kolt, and Ava Lehman, Cedric Paulin, Kaysen, Meyer and Veda Murphy, two brother-in-laws, Vernon Hart of Mulberry and John Schifferdecker of Girard. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Susie Buckles, Doris Carlyle, Ruth Parson, and Carole Schifferdecker, brother-in-laws, James Buckles, Allen Carlyle, Harold Parson, and sister-in-law, Earline Hart. Wayne was a very active member of the Mulberry Holiness Church. Wayne and Velda were very passionate and active supporters of Mulberry civic and community projects and activities. His biggest passion and joy, however, was always time spent working. He truly treasured being with his wife and family, as well as countless friends. Wayne was granted his ultimate wish, to work until the day he died and rest in peace knowing he left behind a family firmly grounded in love for each other.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma, Kansas, with Brother Marcus Campbell officiating. Burial will be at the Rosebank Cemetery in Mulberry, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at the Bedene Chapel in Arma. The family suggests memorials to Sabaneta Orphanage, Inc., the Mulberry Museum, or the Mulberry Holiness Church. Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, Box 621, Arma, Kansas, 66712.
