William Henry Lohman Sr.

William “Bill” Henry Lohman, Sr. passed away at 88 years old on April 27, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born on March 12, 1928 to Walter Benton “Bill” Lohman, Sr. and Merle Harriet Schauer Lohman.

Bill began his illustrious military career at the end of World War II in the U.S. Navy. After the war ended, he returned to graduate from Cradock High School in Portsmouth, VA and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He retired from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant after 22-and-a-half years of service. During those years, he served in the Korean War, was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1969, and was posted in locations such as Turkey, Alaska, California, Nebraska, Washington, DC, and New York. After his military retirement, he worked for what is now Frontier Communications in Monroe, NY until he retired from there. He then moved the family to Cary, NC and worked for NorTel until his final retirement. They made their home in Holly Springs.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rita Agnes Lawhead Lohman; his children: Laura Lee Paolantonio (Edmund), William Henry “Billy” Lohman, Jr. (Billie Jean), Sue Christine Simkiss (William), Daniel Christopher Lohman (Chris), Nancy Marie Doulin (Daniel), Andrew Eugene Lohman (Karen), Julia Ann Lohman (W. Dale Talbert), John Charles Lohman (Jessica), and Lillian Marie Cole (Andy); and his 19 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Walter Benton Lohman, Sr. and Merle Harriet Schauer Lohman; his siblings: Mary Katherine Lawson, Merle Harriet Eppes, Charles George Lohman III and Walter Benton “Junie” Lohman, Jr.; his son-in-law, William Dale Talbert; and his grandson, Aaron Henry Cole.

Due to the early death of his father, Bill was raised in the Methodist Home for Children. His upbringing led to him being incredibly dedicated to his entire family. The compassion Bill had for his family extended beyond his own children to include others in need of love and care. When he married Rita on September 19, 1952, his goal for his family was to have a baseball team, which he and Rita achieved with their nine children. The thing that gave him the most enjoyment in his life was his family.

Bill was infamous for his sense of humor and playing practical jokes on anyone and everyone in his community. He was an avid golfer for many years. He enjoyed square dancing with his wife, and was also a square dance caller for the clubs they were a part of. He was a member of Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Cary.

Flowers would be appreciated by the family. Donations can also be made in Bill’s name to Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Building Fund (http://dioceseofraleigh.org) through the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, P.O. Box 37399, Raleigh NC 27627. Checks should be made payable to Our Cathedral Campus.

The service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 5th in Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 804 High House Road, Cary NC 27513. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, May 4th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary. The graveside service will be immediately after the funeral at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh NC 27612.