Duane Fredrick Lehman

Duane Fredrick Lehman, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away May 3, 2025 in Bethany, Oklahoma at the age of 83. Duane was born October 24, 1941, in Shoshone, Idaho, to Arthur Eric and Bonnie June (Gage) Lehman. Duane attended Boise High School, graduating the class of 1959.

After spending early childhood in Orchard, Idaho, Duane Lehman moved to the big city of Boise, Id. There he welcomed his first daughter, Lorie, from a previous marriage. He began working at the Mode downtown, a department store. He was an assistant manager in women’s shoes. This would become a 43-year career, promoting him all the way up the ranks to Regional Manager over 5 states. More importantly, it brought him into contact with the woman who would become the love of his life. Connie Kalbfleisch worked across the aisle in handbags and gloves. Amidst the high-end fashion of the day, a love was designed, and the label would never fade. The couple married and eventually moved to El Paso, Tx where their first child, Angela was born. Connie always wanted a daughter named Angela and Duane was a doting girl daddy as proud as could be.

The company then moved the happy family to the exotic island of Puerto Rico! And again, the couple welcomed a new baby – a boy! Duane was over the moon. He was a devoted father and amazing boy dad. Connie and Duane’s son, Brandon, was everything they could ever want.

As island life and the work of managing a tropical shoe store ebbed, their life flowed back to the states. After settling in Oklahoma City, Duane established strong roots and provided a house that would be called a home for the next 48 years. As he served and loved his wife well, he raised his two children as only a loving father could. Coaching his son’s baseball team – The Royals - was a highlight of Brandon’s life. He was always present at Angela’s music recitals and drama performances. He and Connie had many friends and enjoyed many social gatherings over the years. They were the consummate hosts for holidays, always a warm and inviting home to be a part of. Duane and his wife extended their love and acceptance to the wonderful spouses of their children. Tom Westover and Rachael Miller Lehman were Duane and Connie’s children just as much as their own.

As happy years in OKC passed, his kids grew and had kids of their own. Duane/Dad became known as Poppy to 6 grandchildren. He was so proud of his grandsons as they become a Naval Officer, Wildlife Biologist, Army Officer Engineer; his granddaughter studying to become a nurse, and grandson “The Band King.”

Poppy loved to ride motorcycles and enjoyed giving the grandkids rides around the neighborhood, as long as they wore their helmets. He was an avid golfer from the time he was a young adult in Boise to the retirement days in OKC. He always maintained his fashion, wearing the trends of the day, even Hey Dudes, to the very end. He was truly a dapper man with a style and love all his own.

He is preceded in death by parents, brother and his precious wife of 51 years who always lovingly called him “honey lover lamb” (much to the chagrin of Brandon and Angela.)

Duane is survived by his three children Lorie Kay Anderson of Boise, ID, Angela Jeanette Westover and husband Tom Westover of Warr Acres, OK and Brandon Duane Lehman and wife Rachael Miller Lehman of Bethany, OK; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.