Mr. Claude R. Lehman

Claude shared his life with his sweetheart, the girl next door, Dixie June, for 54 years of marriage. He is also survived by his loving children, Kathy Frye (Odell), Cindy Rowe (Victor), and Rhonda Fraley (Leon). What a legacy he leaves to those of us who loved him so much. He was what wonderful and loving Dads are made of. We love you Daddy.

He also leaves to cherish his memory 3 grandchildren- Kevin Rowe (Jenny), Courtney Frye, and Drew Frye; and 2 great-grandchildren, Gauge and Peyton Rowe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Galen and Elizabeth Lehman and brother J.R. Lehman. Other survivors are sisters Geraldine Holland, Shirley Adams, Pat Lehman, and Judy Lehman.

As a member of East Brainerd Baptist Church for many years, he shared his joy of salvation in Jesus with countless others. He was a Guardian Angel to everyone, caring for others no matter what the need. His unconditional love was a reflection of God’s love that revealed truth, faith, and hope-always a friend to the end. His spiritual journey has now taken wings. At East Brainerd Baptist Church, he was Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday School teacher for the Joy Class, Devotion Leader for the Sunshine Club, and shared his many experiences through work with Youth Groups and the Boy Scouts.

Claude helped to build 2 Baptist Churches in the city and the Family Life and Fine Arts building at East Brainerd Baptist Church. In 2007, the church honored him by the following: Every once in a while, a man comes along who makes a huge impact on his community. In a world where many people only take notice of themselves, some men raise the standard and step up to the task that God calls of them. We have the honor to recognize one of those men for his years of dedicated service and for loving leadership to its members. We officially rename our family life center, the Claude R. Lehman Family Life and Fine Arts Center in honor of him.

Claude was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War and one of his joys while serving his country was to be a member of the radar team tracking the first missile launched from Cape Canaveral. He retired from AT&T after 32 years of service in the microwave field. He was also owner of C&D Real Estate Rentals for 27 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the East Brainerd Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1041 Graysville Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday at 3 P.M. at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel with Fate Thomas, Leon Fraley, and Matt Hinesley officiating. Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Hixson-Good Shepherd Mausoleum. The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Pallbearers are: Drew Frye, Kevin Rowe, Max Pierce, Danny Carroll, James Rymer, and Tim Robinson. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Joy Class, the Sunshine Club, and Youth Group members from the 1960s and 1970s. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.mem.com The family greatly appreciates the excellent and loving care provided by the staff and Dr. Edward Arrowsmith at Chattanooga Oncology, Memorial Hospital, Hospice of Chattanooga and especially his nurse, Kim Sweeton. Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, East Brainerd Chapel, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.