Ernest Ralph Lehman, Jr

Ernest Ralph Lehman, Jr., 85 years old, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, surrounded by his family at his residence in South Bend, IN.

Ernie was born on April 2, 1939, in Decatur, IN to the late Ernest Ralph Lehman, Sr. and Treva Baumgartner. Ernie is also preceded in death by his sons-in-law, Kenneth H. Thomasson, and Allen Batton.

Left to cherish their memories, Ernie is survived by his daughters, Kim Thomasson, Lynne Lehman, and Chrys (Christopher) Smethwick; his grandchildren, Samantha (Nick), Noah (Liz), Gabriel, and Ashley (Travis); his great-granddaughter, Halyn; his brother Wayne (Denise) Lehman; and Arlene Lehman, the mother of his children as well as a close and cherished friend.

Ernie proudly served his country in the United States Army and the National Guard where he was honorably discharged in 1965. After his time in the Army, Ernie and his family moved to Niles, MI where he worked in farming for his in-laws, Ernest, and Arminda Sommer and later in sales for Redi-Froz. He eventually become the Sales Manager over their Wholesale and Retail Sales Department and retired in 2000 as President.

Ernie had many passions in life: hunting, fishing, golfing, Indy and NASCAR racing, and Notre Dame football, but nothing was more enjoyable to him than Trapshooting. After he was introduced to trapshooting in 1969, Ernie would spend the remainder of his life promoting and supporting this sport that he loved. He was a lifelong member of the American Trapshooting Association and the Michigan Trapshooting Association. He also managed and was President of the Howard Township Conservation Club in Niles for over five decades. He is known to have shot over 500,000 registered targets throughout the years. In 2016, he was inducted into the Michigan Trapshooting Hall of Fame. Ernie was also known for helping and teaching many of the youth shooters in the area. He leaves behind a great legacy and will be truly missed.

Visitation for Ernie will be held from 10:00am-12:00pm with a Funeral Service and Military Honors starting at 12:00pm, Saturday, January 4, 2025, all at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S Mayflower Rd, South Bend.

Memorial Contributions in honor of Ernest Ralph Lehman, Jr. may be made to Howard Township Conservation Club, 2601 Terminal Rd, Niles, MI 49120.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

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