Patrick “Pat” T. Lehman

Memorial Mass for Patrick “Pat” T. Lehman, 66, Lawrence, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2015, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at his home.

He was born November 4, 1948, in Goodland, KS, the son of James W. and Mary Guise Lehman. He grew up in Brewster, KS, where he graduated high school and went on to attend Fort Hays State.

He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in Juneau, AK. After his discharge, he returned to the family farm in Brewster. He moved to Lawrence in 1990, where he and his wife established a lobbying and corporate communications firm. At the time of his death, he was executive director of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and lobbyist for the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs.

He was a longtime member of the Lawrence Breakfast Cosmopolitan Club and the American Legion Post #363, Colby, KS.

He married Robin Ann Waddell on January 8, 1972, in Juneau, AK. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Lindsay Landis and husband, Jeff, and Regan Lehman Pillar and husband, Aaron, both of Lawrence; grandson Spencer Landis; granddaughter Evan Landis; three brothers, William “Bill” Lehman and wife, Jane, Manassas, VA; Charles Lehman, Charlotte, NC; Robert Lehman, Brewster, KS; two nieces, Jennifer Lehman, Kelly Schappert; and three nephews, Jonathan Lehman and wife, Kimberly, Andy Lehman, and Chris Lehman.

The family will receive friends following the service at the Castle Tea Room, 1307 Massachusetts St., Lawrence.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts Endowment Fund or the Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

43 Condolences

  1. Tom Tunnell on January 14, 2015 at 9:06 am

    Pat,
    You will me missed ole buddy especially our time together at the Kansas State Fair



  2. Kelly Kultala on January 14, 2015 at 9:21 am

    I worked with Pat at the State Capitol for several years. He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. He had the best laugh ever. I am going to miss him very much. Robin, Lindsay and Regan and their families are in my thoughts and prayers.



  3. Jim Weaver on January 14, 2015 at 9:54 am

    Pat,
    You will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered in the conservation community. You were always a voice for logic and the art of compromise.



  4. Keri Harris on January 14, 2015 at 10:09 am

    So sad to hear of your passing; you will be greatly missed by your conservation family. Thoughts and prayers with Robin & Regan.



  5. Bill Bouska on January 14, 2015 at 10:21 am

    I worked with Pat at Crown. He was a joy to be around. He never met a stranger and once you met him you were never a stranger. He had a wonderful sense of humor that preceded him where ever he went. He touched a lot of lives and made them better as a result of it! He will be remembered and missed by many! Till we meet again! Thoughts and prayers to family.



  6. Vicki Whitaker on January 14, 2015 at 10:43 am

    Pat was a highlight of my days when I worked at the KSAE Message Center. His kindness, consideration, humor and insight into human nature will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. My thoughts go out to his family. He always spoke so proudly of his wife and daughters and their accomplishments. He was a man who counted his blessings.



  7. Julie Rigg on January 14, 2015 at 11:19 am

    Pat was such a wonderful neighbor! He was always so kind, generous about lending things to neighbors, and willing to help in any way. He loved to visit with everyone in the neighborhood. He is going to be missed so much! Our prayers go to Robin and the rest of his family. May you find comfort in the memories you have.

    JR & Julie Rigg and family



  8. Jeff Russell on January 14, 2015 at 11:45 am

    So sorry to hear the news. I agree with everything all have said about this gentle man, but would add that the Capitol will be a little less classy from now on.



  9. Debi and Robert on January 14, 2015 at 12:53 pm

    I will miss you my brother from another mother! Our growing up years would not have been the same without the “Lehman brothers” across the street. We had such good times!

    Love to Robin, girls and the rest of the family!



  10. Cindy Luxem on January 14, 2015 at 1:03 pm

    Will miss Pat. Whether at Capitol or Hyvee, just loved seeing the guy. Thoughts and prayers to his family.



  11. Gary E Curmode on January 14, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    I was able to work closely with Pat for 8.5 years as President of the Ks. Professional Fire Chiefs. He was a scholar, gentleman and a fine person. I always was greeted with a smiling face. He taught me a lot about the State Capital and how it functioned. He supported the Fire Chiefs and the Firefighters for the best option(s) available in any given year.
    My sympathy goes out to the Lehman family.
    Sincerely,
    Gary Curmode, Copper Mountain Fire Dept., Colorado



  12. Jolene and Rich Miller on January 14, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Sending sympathy.
    Jolene and Rich Miller



  13. Jim Keating on January 14, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    I consider Pat one of my most dearest and truest friends. I first met Pat many years ago while serving as President of the Kansas State Fire Chief’s Assoc.. He had just been hired to assist with legislative matters for the then just formed Fire Service Alliance. The day we first met Pat said I know nothing about the Fire Service but I look foreword to learning so we picked the most difficult issue then at hand the passage of a State Smoke Detector Ordinance. With some quick education about the multi year failed prior attempts Pat went to work and was successful. From that I learned the positive side of politics working along side Pat. He taught me to always be patient, true and confident and never give up the effort. The Kansas Fire Service owes much to the efforts of Pat and he truly will be missed.



  14. Shari Ball McCabe on January 14, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    Robin: my heart aches for you and the girls and grandkids to have lost your mate and wonderful Grandad. Pat bragged about your writing and the kids’ activities and his “good life” away from politics! Too sad to have him gone. Peace and strength in the coming weeks. Shari



  15. Bob Selby on January 14, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    My sympathy to the Lehman family. I graduated with the class of 1968 so Pat was a couple of years ahead of me in school. I was also fortunate enough to be able to work with Robin at Colby Community College. It’s always heartbreaking to hear of the untimely death of someone you attending school with. Prayers to Robin and family.



  16. Connie Richmeier on January 14, 2015 at 5:15 pm

    Pat was a good friend and great conservation partner. We will miss him dearly. Our heart felt thoughts and prayers our Robin and the family.



  17. Karen Churchman on January 14, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    My deepest sympathy to the family! I worked with Pat before I retired from NRCS. Pat was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed!



  18. Rosie and Thresia Aschenbrenner on January 14, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    We are so very sorry and shocked to hear this. He left a great impression on many and that is something not many people can do.



  19. Stephanie Sharp on January 14, 2015 at 8:31 pm

    Pat’s family: What a loss for the Statehouse community. A voice of reason and sanity in the constantly changing environment, Pat was always approachable and affable. During his Statehouse tenure I was lobbyist, legislator, and consultant and Pat was equally friendly and accessible and globally respected. I was so sad to see this announcement. Enter into your rest, good and faithful servant. You made Kansas an even better place.



  20. Larry Strain on January 14, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    Pat and I grew up together on the wind-swept prairie of western Kansas and literally from the time we could walk until we went to college were the closest of friends. Ours was an idyllic childhood and youth. Pat stood as a groomsman at my wedding. He went into the Coast Guard, I joined the Air Force and our lives gradually diverged but I never forgot him. He leaves behind only fond memories, and a heavy heart. Farewell my friend.



  21. Dodie on January 14, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    Robin and family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was such a cheerful presence and a true class act. He will be missed by many.



  22. Vicki Doze on January 14, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    Dear Robin and family,
    We were so sorry and saddened to hear about Pat’s passing. Please accept our sincerest sympathy and condolences.
    Kent and Vicki Doze and sons
    Previously of Brewster, KS



  23. Dan & Kathy McLaughlin on January 14, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    One heck of a friend to all. Nice – nice man.
    Thoughts & prayers.



  24. Leah Hojem on January 15, 2015 at 10:04 am

    Robin: I am so deeply sadden to hear of Pat’s passing. The two of you have been such dear friends for over 40 years; it’s like losing one of my family members. Please know that he was loved and made a positive impact on many. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lindsay, and Regan.



  25. Terry Cousins on January 15, 2015 at 11:25 am

    Pat, funniest and one of the coolest friends ever, Kansas is a lessor place without you.

    God Bless Robin, Lindsay and Reagan and their families



  26. Susan M. Schultz, NACD on January 15, 2015 at 12:03 pm

    Deepest Sympathies to the Lehman family. Continue to guide us from above and I certainly will miss our discussions at the many NACD meetings you have attended. So glad I was able to attend your state meeting. You will be missed.



  27. Ivan and Verda Werner on January 15, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    We were teachers in Brewster when Pat was a a youngster. We were neighbors to his Grandmother Guise whom we loved dearly. Needless to say, the four Lehman boys were her pride and joy.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
    Please extend our deepest sympathy to Bill, Charles, and Robert.



  28. Anonymous on January 15, 2015 at 1:57 pm

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. What an exceptional man.
    Amy Jo Gillispie Nelson



  29. Debra Bogar on January 15, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    Robin and family, I’m so sad for your loss. Pat was a genuine and kind man. I felt like he was a good friend from the day I first met him. I’ll miss him!



  30. Carolyn Rudebusch on January 15, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    My sincere sympathy to the family of Patrick Lehman.
    Carolyn Rudebusch, President
    SD Assn of Conservation District



  31. Denise Middleton on January 16, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    So sorry to hear this news………



  32. Phil and Sharron Knox on January 16, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    The Eastern Kansas gain was a loss to Brewster, KS when the Lehman family moved to Lawrence. Phil grew up with the brothers and Sharron met Pat and Robin when we all moved into Brewster during our early adult years. We enjoyed working and visiting with Pat during the mutual years in our small community. To Robin, Lindsay, Regan, Bill, Charlie, Bob and your families – hold fast to the memories as these will carry you through the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.



  33. Laura Downey on January 16, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    On behalf of the folks at the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education, we wish to express our most sincere condolences to Pat’s family. Pat was truly a remarkable person and we were honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to work with him over many years. His loss will be greatly felt in the conservation world.

    He personally held my hand when I was presenting to the legislature about the work we do here at KACEE, gave me invaluable guidance on how to say what I was wanting to say and was there to support me when I made my presentations. It was incredibly comforting in that somewhat nerve-racking situation to see his smile in the room. That’s the kind of guy he was and this is just one example of the many ways Pat went above and beyond to support the work he cared so much about.



  34. Donna Meader on January 16, 2015 at 3:37 pm

    May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Pat was a cheerful and kind man and will be dearly missed. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.



  35. Sandy Rodgers on January 16, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    Pat you will be missed. Thanks for your dedication to the Conservation Districts in Kansas and for going to bat for us in so many ways. You made a huge difference for Districts. I always enjoyed our talks over the years. Lots of love to Robin and your daughters and their families. They will be in our hearts and prayers here in Sherman County.



  36. Naomi Ward on January 16, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    To Robin and the Lehman family
    Sorry the learn of Pat’s passing. He was always a strong figure to the Brewster community where he resided when we had a chance to get acquainted. My sympathy to the family.



  37. Scott Carlson on January 18, 2015 at 9:25 am

    Pat was a good friend and associate. I am very proud of our years working together on many projects and events with our partners in conservation. My heartfelt condolences to Robin and family.



  38. Jeff Gross on January 18, 2015 at 11:23 am

    I was saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. I knew Pat through my work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and always enjoyed my visits with him at various meetings and working together at the State Fair booth. He seemed to always be upbeat, have a smile on his face, and a story to be told. He was a great guy and will be missed!



  39. Sandy Praeger on January 18, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    Robin and family,
    I was so sad to read that Pat had passed away. You both added so much to the Lawrence community and were such good friends to so many in the state capitol. Pat was so well-respected within the capitol complex. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you and your family as you struggle with this loss of such a wonderful man. I know you have many memories to reflect on and that will keep him with you in spirit.
    Sandy Praeger



  40. Dale K. Cross, Sharp Bros Seed Co on January 19, 2015 at 6:44 am

    We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family. Pat will truly be missed, especially at KACD. What a wonderful person. Always a smile and wanting to help somebody. Stay strong. I am sure that is the way Pat would want. God Bless!!!



  41. Randy Habiger on January 20, 2015 at 10:50 am

    Robin & Family,

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Pat was an unbelievable individual and gone to soon. My deepest sympathy.

    Randy Habiger & Family



  42. John on January 22, 2015 at 8:03 pm

    So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing, I will miss seeing Pat around the capital, it was always special to see Pat and a “Brewster home town presence” in the state house. I’ll never forget our time in Brewster playing Volley Ball in the gym and all the good times we had.

    I’ll be praying for Robin and the girls!

    Lots of Love to the Lehman family!

    John and Renee



  43. Sarah Osborn on January 22, 2015 at 10:48 pm

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Pat, but my sister Jenny O did.
    She spoke of him so fondly, remembering times when he would visit the bar in The Eldridge Hotel, visiting Regan when she worked as a bartender.
    Regan has been such a wonderful friend to my sister, and because of their friendship, I have the pleasure of knowing her too. When I learned of Regan’s Dad passing, my heart broke.
    I just felt like sharing my condolences for not only Regan, but the entire family.
    Please know all of the Osborn family is thinking of you guys. From one amazing family to another, we are so sorry for your loss.



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