Thursday, December 30, 2004

Nov. 7, 1919-Dec. 28, 2004

Donald D. Lehl, 85, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 2004) at his home in McCook.

He was born Nov. 7, 1919, to Conrad and Katie (Arndt) Lehl in Fort Morgan, Colo. Since 1922, he had lived mainly in McCook. He attended McCook High School and graduated with the class of 1937. He attended the University of Iowa.

On Aug. 21, 1939, he married Mary Estaline Phelps in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. To this union three children were born.

He served in the U. S. Air Force during World War II in the European Theater from January 1943 to October 1945 as a maintenance technician on B-17's.

He owned and operated Lehl Plumbing in McCook for 25 years. After he closed his business, he worked for Anderson Plumbing in Kearney from 1970- 1980.

He was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, the Elks and he volunteered at the food pantry.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Henry and Raymond; and one sister, Eileen Loose.

Survivors include his wife, Mary of McCook; three children, Donna Baum of Lubbock, Texas, Charlie Lehl of Lincoln and Mary Jane Lentz and husband, Lin of St. Louis, Mo; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials are being accepted in his name or may be given to the Food Pantry.

Funeral Services are Friday, 2 p.m., at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Sam Williams officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. at the funeral home and until noon on Friday. Friends may also go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.