HAL LEHMAN SR., FORMER SCHOOL OFFICIAL, DIES; HAL LEHMAN SR.

Hal B. Lehman Sr., 2040 Thilenius, former business manager with Cape Girardeau Public Schools and longtime civic leader, died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1997, at his home. He was 79.

He was born March 20, 1917, at Sikeston, son of John and Lois Teeters Lehman. He and Betty Penn were married June 1, 1940, in Maplewood. She died Feb. 21, 1993.

Lehman taught at Fredericktown Schools from 1938-39. He received a bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University, and also attended the University of Missouri and Michigan Technological University.

He began his career with Cape Girardeau Public Schools in 1940 as an industrial arts teacher and coach. He also started the building trades class at Central High School.

Lehman was business manager with the school system from 1955 until retiring in 1980. During this time he also served as director of buildings, purchasing agent for the district, and as secretary to the board of education.

He was instrumental in the completion of more than 30 building programs, including construction of Central High School; Jefferson, Alma Schrader and Hawthorn Elementary Schools; Vocational-Technical School; the renovation and remodeling of the other schools; realization of projects such as the new Central gymnasium and the city-school swimming pool.

Lehman was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, American Legion, Lions Club, Harold O. Grauel Masonic Lodge, Southeast Missouri Hospital Association, Missouri Library Association, and American Library Association.

He had been active with the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Optimist boys program, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Lehman was a former county chairman with American Red Cross, past president of Cape Girardeau Jaycees, and past president of Cape Girardeau Public Library Board of Trustees. He received the Golden Deeds Award from the Evening Exchange Club in 1982.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Survivors include a son, H. Burton Lehman Jr. of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Jeanie Allgood, Peggy Barringer and Lisa Huey, all of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Vivian Miller of Walnut Creek, Calif.; and six grandchildren.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel from 4-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Centenary Church, with the Revs. Jim Sanderson and Paula Austin officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park.