Richard Bruce Lehman

Richard Bruce Lehman, 81, died at his home in Falls Church, VA on May 11, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara (Metcalf) Lehman; his sister-in-law, Linda Lehman of Tampa, FL; his brother-in-law Richard Metcalf and his wife Linda of Rochester, MA; niece Stacie Lehman Valerius, her husband David, and sons Cole and Cade of Lutz, FL; niece Christie Lehman Strawser, her husband Stephen, and sons Trenton and Tyler of Land O' Lakes, FL; cousin Sherry Mollenhauer and her husband Henry of Corolla, N.C.; and cousin James Headley and his wife Joan of La Plata, MD. Mr. Lehman was preceded in death by his parents, Col. Benjamin F. Lehman (Ret.) and Maria (Headley) Lehman; his brother, Robert Y. Lehman; and his son, James B. Lehman.

Mr. Lehman was born in Philadelphia, PA and spent his early years in Richmond before the family moved to Falls Church, VA. He attended Falls Church City schools and Shenandoah College in Winchester, VA. He was a graduate of George Mason High School in Falls Church, VA and Bethel College in Mc Kenzie, TN. He taught English for a year in Tennessee before joining the Air Force as a communications specialist, serving for a year in Vietnam. He retired from Western Union after a career of 40 years.

Bruce, as he is better known, was a long time member of Columbia Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. Over the years he participated in a variety of the church's programs as a member of its weekly Thursday and Sunday morning Bible study groups, the Senior Adult Choir, English for World Friends' staff, as an usher, and as a greeter in the Welcome Center. He led the music for the senior adult departments and for Columbia's worship services at the Falls Church Sunrise Assisted Living residence. Also known as "Zeke," for several years Mr. Lehman entertained and ministered to the community as a member of the Christian Clowns' organization. He was a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, and for many years, he volunteered each week readying medical supplies to be shipped to needy people throughout the world under the auspices of Crosslink's medical mission and later at its successor organization, Brother's Brother.

Bruce was an avid fan of the Washington Senators team, and became a Texas Rangers fan after the team's move to Texas. He was an even more avid fan of the former Washington Redskins, and he attended home games, first with his father, and then in later years, with his son.

A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, June 3 at noon. It will be held at Columbia Baptist Church, 103 West Columbia Street, Falls Church, VA 22046. A reception will follow in Stephenson Hall.