Riley C. Lehew Jr.

Riley C. Lehew, Jr., 61, received the grace of God after losing his courageous battle against cancer Monday, February 27, 2012. Born to Riley C. Lehew, Sr. and Annie Mai Smith both of Lebanon, Tennessee. Lehew is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Fay, Beverly and Pam Lehew, Betty Skelton; and niece, Tracy Skelton. He leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and life partner of 39 years, JoAnn Zaitz; two children, Lori Lehew-Lovato and Lisa (Brian) Riley and five grandchildren whom he adored, Madison and Lucas Lovato, Kenzie,Keagen and Izaiah Riley. Lehew is also survived by six remaining sisters and one brother, William “Tommy” Lehew, all of Tennessee. “Bo” or “Red” as some knew him was a Vietnam Veteran who earned the Purple Heart during his time in combat. He was a semi-pro baseball player, leisure cartoonist, and wood craftsman by hobby. Lehew recently retired after 36 1/2 years with EVRAZ where he served as superintendent of the Seamless Mill. Lehew was an automotive enthusiast and loved Corvettes but more than anything, Lehew was an inspirational family man who touched all those he met. His outgoing nature and passion for life energized all those who came in contact with him. Thank you so much for the overwhelming support he received especially since his diagnosis. The outpouring of love and kindness from his colleagues, company friends and family gave him strength daily to battle his disease. Services will be held Saturday, March 3, 2012, 10 am at St. Joseph Church, 1145 S. Aspen Rd on the Mesa. Reception will follow at Mama Ianne’s, formerly Rosarios, 2928 N. Elizabeth Street. In lieu of food and flowers, family requests donations be made for pancreatic cancer research, Sangre de Cristo Hospice, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences at www.georgemccarthyfuneralhome.com.