Ruel F. Lehman

Ruel Forrest Lehman, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 28, 2023 at 99 years old.  He moved to Oak Park, Illinois from Newark, New Jersey as a child, leaving Oak Park only for college and WWII service.  He was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn née Moore. 

Ruel attended Oak Park’s Emerson Elementary School and Oak Park River Forest High School.  He served during WWII as a 1st Lieutenant with the 8th Air Force, piloting B-17 bombers. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Chicago.  He retired as Vice President from the Peoples Gas, Light & Coke company in 1987.

He served on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Urban League as well as the Duncan YMCA. With his wife Marilyn, then President of the Oak Park Elementary School Board, he advocated for racial diversity within Oak Park in the 1960s and 70s. He was an avid golfer, and a member of the River Forest Country Club for nearly fifty years.

He is survived by his three children Bruce Lehman, Scott Lehman, and Martha (Michael) Lehman-Cordts as well as granddaughter Allison Cordts and step-granddaughter Katie Cordts.

Services to be held privately.  Memorials to Brookfield Zoo or the Oak Park Public Library are appreciated. 

Arrangements handled by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home. 708-366-2200 or www.ZimmermanHarnett.com.

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