Remembering Jerry Lehman

Jerome W. Lehman, 82, of Terre Haute, passed away on April 1, 2019, at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. He was owner of Motorola Service Stations (MSS) in Terre Haute, Bloomington, Vincennes and Evansville. He was born April 28, 1936, in Berne, Indiana, to Lewellyn and Florence (Graber) Lehman.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barbara L. (Swettenam) Lehman; children, Charles Lehman, Mark Lehman (A.J.), Jennifer Lehman and Cynthia Carnes; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sisters, Marilyn Spurgeon (Charles), Norma Brandenburg (Ralph) and Elaine Mikesell (Garry). He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jerome was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the Canal Society of Indiana. He served as a volunteer photographer and member of Honey Creek Fire Department as well as being a board member.

After retirement Jerry became interested in growing and hybridizing and sharing knowledge of persimmons and pawpaws. He was a member of Indiana Fruit and Nut Growers Association and Northern Nut Growers Association for many years. Jerry bred the pawpaw varieties Maria's Joy, 275-56, 250-39 and 250-30; the persimmon varieties Celebrity, Deer Magnet, Deer Candy and Lehman's Delight; and was responsible for introducing several Asian persimmon hybrids to the US from Japan.