Alfred Walter Lehmann

Alfred Walter Lehmann of Thorndale, Texas died at his home in the community of Sandoval on September 20, 2018. He was 94 years old. He was born on April 30, 1924 at home in Sandoval. Alfred was the son of Herman and Louise Lehmann. He was baptized on July 13, 1924 by Reverend Gus Szillart at Zion Lutheran Church in Sandoval and was confirmed at the same church on September 26, 1933 by Rev. M.C. Hoermann. Alfred remained a member of Zion Lutheran until his death. He was an officer for many years and helped with the building of the Sunday school. Alfred and his brother, Arthur mowed the church yard and cemetery for many years. They made the white cross markers in the cemetery for members that had none. The trees and flowering bushes in the cemetery were contributed and planted by the two brothers.

In 1943 Alfred was drafted into the U.S. Army at the age of 18. He served all his time on the Philippine Islands; Luzon, Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, Manila and Bougainville. Alfred always said God is who brought him back home from the war safe. There were too many times he shouldn’t have lived, but he did. He thanked God every day for taking care of him. In 1945 he came back to the States as Staff Sergeant. He received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, the Victory Ribbon, four Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.

September 1946 Alfred married his sweetheart, Leona Lenz. They were married for 62 years. Alfred and Leona had two daughters, Bernice and Janet. The four loved spending time together. Fishing, hunting, camping, boating and water skiing were things they loved to do as a family. He also taught the four grandchildren to water ski and the love of camping.

After spending time living in different places and trying different jobs after the war, he and Leona settled in Thorndale, Texas where he started to work at Ideal Motor Co. as a mechanic. He worked there 13 years and then opened Lehmann and Wernli Garage for 27 years. He was a member of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Dept. and a member of the Hill Johnson VFW Post 4009 in Thorndale. He also served 25 years for the City of Thorndale by being on the City Council, Mayor Pro-Tem and Mayor.

In 2013 Alfred went to Washington D.C. with his family to visit the WWII Memorial. That was one of the proudest days for him and his family. He was honored and humbled that children and adults would ask to shake his hand and want to take a picture with him and thank him for his service to our country. On July 4, 2014 Alfred was chosen to throw out the first pitch at the Round Rock Express game at Dell Diamond in Round Rock. He said he would never forget the standing ovation he got from the people in the stands. Alfred was proud to be an American who served his country.

Alfred is preceded in death by his wife, Leona and parents Herman and Louise Lehmann, an infant sister Helen, sister Esther Wernli, brother Arthur Lehmann, son-in-law Jed Monroe, sisters-in-law Nancy Lehmann, Kathryn Thornton, Lorene Chancey, brothers-in-law Daniel Dobias, Buddy Wernli, Paul Chancey and Willie Lenz.

Alfred leaves his two daughters Bernice Sciortino and husband Dominic, and Janet Monroe; grandchildren and spouses: Tonia and Lee Wilson, Melissa and Justin Hein, Chris and Sonya Schwarz and Stephanie and Sean Link. Great-grandchildren: Zane and Brant Wilson, Kellis and Luke Hein, Akira and Aurora Schwarz, Connor and Colin Link. Step granddaughter, Robin and husband Craig Hall, step great grandchildren Victoria and Alexandra Hall. Alfred is also surived by his sisters; Nora Mae Haag and Lillian Dobias, sisters-in-law LaVern Richter, Geneva Lenz and Suzanne Lenz, brothers-in—law Dennis Richter, Raymond Lenz and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Pall bearers are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation is at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor on Tuesday, September 25 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral service is at Zion Lutheran Church in Sandoval on Wednesday, September 26 at 10:00 am with burial following in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 104, Thrall, Texas 76578.