Retired Dr. of optometry, Richard R. Lehr, entered Glory on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 with his three children by his side. He was born in his childhood home to Robert and Irma Lehr of York, PA. on April 20th 1930, and graduated from William Penn High School in 1948. In his teen years, Dick was active in the York YMCA, and became quite good at basketball and ping-pong. As an adult, he enjoyed golf, tennis, and playing board games with his children – especially at Christmas when he took time off from his practice. He enjoyed going to Ocean City, NJ both as a child and as an adult.
Dr. Lehr attended the Philadelphia College of Optometry and earned his doctorate in 1953. Shortly thereafter he and his bride of two months, Lois, moved to Belmont, MA. where Dr. Lehr completed his military service at the local army hospital. After his discharge in 1955, he opened his first practice in Parkesburg, PA. where he and Lois also bought their first house. Ten years later he moved his practice to Downingtown, PA where he remained until retiring in 2000. A respected member of his community, Dr. Lehr served as an elder in his church and was a long-term member of the Downingtown Historical Society, the Lion’s Club, and the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind. His ready smile and dry sense of humor were appreciated by his friends, family, and patients alike. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and faithful son.
Dr. Lehr was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Lois A. Lehr, and his sister, Joyce Kistler of Atherton, CA. He is survived by his daughter Debi Pekowsky, granddaughter Amanda Lang (Drew), and great grandsons Von, Rhett, and Kade, all of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his sons Daniel and Steven of Elverson, PA., and his grandson Daniel Close (Taylor) and great grandson Stanley of Amesbury, MA. Other survivors include his brother Elmore and nephew Paul Lehr in Arizona; his niece Brenda Beman and sister-in-law Ruth Geist in VA.; his niece Julie Schmidt in Colorado, and his niece Roxanne Lehman of Lancaster County.
In 2014, Dr. and Mrs. Lehr moved to Garden Spot Village in New Holland, PA. where they remained until passing. A service of remembrance will be held at Garden Spot on Saturday, January 11 from 3 – 5 pm.
If desired, memorial donations may be sent to Wycliffe Bible Translators at P. O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862.
Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
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