In 6th grade with teacher Mrs. Love, Joe and I did a song Kookie, Kookie, lend me your comb. Joe was combing his hair and I was pretend singing to the song. It was a good memory of him. Joe was a really nice guy. My deepest condolences to his family.              Jenine Wagner McGraw

Joe and I were teammates on the McCook College football team in 1966. He was the starting center, and always gave his best. I saw him again when he was coaching my hometown Bayard Tigers. I have no doubt he was a very positive influence in many young lives. I pray for the repose of Joe’s soul, and peace for his family.

Richard Whitney

Thanks for being a great person. Rest East Coach Lentz.

Bonjour! I will never forget Coach saying this, arms wide, and a huge smile on his face right before American Problems. He made me laugh and I couldn’t wait to go to his class.  He blessed so many with his presence. God speed, Coach. You are one in a million!

Coach made class so fun, from the baseball bat to Fred. I still live by his credo: spit on it, suck it up, and go! Rest easy, Coach. And thank you for introducing us to '1984'.

Coach Lentz had a way of making every student feel special.  He was truly one of my favorite teachers.  He will be missed! ❤️

Brought my love for "the Steelers" into my life. He was a great teacher who understood many of his students. RIP Mr Lentz. Classmate of BHS 1980

The world needs more teachers like Coach Lentz.  He truly cared for each and every student.  Prayers to the family.

Coach was a good man. He will be missed and remembered….

He cared about every single student he interacted with.  The world sure could use more Coach Lentz and plastic bats! My prayers are with everyone grieving their loss while also celebrating a great man and impact on education.

Mr. Lentz was such an amazing teacher and loved his job…if the saying “if you do a job you love you will never work a day in your life” ever applied to someone it was him.   He will be greatly missed.

I want to start by saying I took the infamous "black bat" photo and I'm so glad I did! ♥️
Secondly, I remember one specific conversation with him. A tragedy had happened in my family and I wasn't smiling and didn't want to participate in a pep rally and stayed behind. I mentioned to him others were treating me  really odd and he explained that they weren't used to seeing me without a smile on my face which I usually had and that they just didn't know how to respond to that because it was so unusual for them. He didn't have to take the time..but he did. Huge impact.
 May God's comfort and peace surround your family you loved so much. Class member BHS 1983 Judy Smith/Deaver

Coach Lentz was one of the best teachers at BHS. I enjoyed learning in his class, it was a class I looked forward to being in.  Great teacher, great person!
My condolences to his family.

Coach Lentz was all about the students first! Very warm heart and soul! Rest in peace, Coach!

Joe was a great teacher and coach. He had concern for every student that he came in contact with. Damn good man.

OBITUARY

Joseph Henry Lentz III

March 7, 1947 – February 14, 2026

Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home & Crematory

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