John M. Lehr

John M. Lehr, 86, formerly of Spring Twp. and of Phoebe Berks Village, died January 28, 2008 in the presence of his loving family in Reading Hospital, where he had been for 2 days.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and soldier.

John was the husband of Betty D. (Long) Lehr, whom he married on on June 19, 1948.

Born in Glenside, Montgomery County, he was the son of the late N. B. and Lauretta A. (Watson) Lehr.

He was a graduate of Reading High School in 1940.

John was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II. He was overseas for 31 months and toured in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. He received 7 Battle Stars. His combat unit was instrumental in the liberation of the Dachau Death Camp.

He was a pharmaceutical salesman for the former Holland-Rantos, Piscataway, NJ, for 30 years, retiring in 1981. Later, he was the owner/operator of Lehr's Hardware, West Lawn for 7 years, retiring in 1986.

He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Sinking Spring.

John was a Board Member of the Green Valley Country Club for 18 years and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #6150, Sinking Spring; he also served as Commander of the 40th Combat of Engineers. He was a member of: Lodge 62 Free and Accepted Masons, Scottish Rite Valley of Reading, Rajah Shrine Legion of Honor, the Spring Township Wilson Lions Club and the West Lawn Senior Citizens Club.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his son, John T. husband of Patricia S. Lehr, Sinking Spring; and his three daughters, Carol Ann, wife of D. Johnnie Little, Kennett Square, Susan M., wife of Jim Fidler, Wilshire and Marybeth, wife of Joseph R. Butchko, Alsace Township. There are seven grandchildren, Nicholas A. Little, Marc J. Fidler, Bo C. Butchko, Molly B. Butchko, Luke I. Butchko, Michael P. Lehr and Jordan T. Lehr; and two step-grandchildren, Dallas J. Little and Kathy R. Little. Six great-grandchildren also survive him. He was predeceased by one son, Joseph, who died March 11, 1949.

Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. John's Lutheran Church 4125 Penn Avenue Sinking Spring, PA 19608. Burial will be in Sinking Spring Cemetery. Friends may call Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com