Des Moines family reeling from sudden, tragic loss are in mourning over Fred Earl Lehman and Mary Louise Lehman’s deaths due to an automobile accident on Wednesday evening, leaving daughter Lyndsay Lehman and extended family devastated and grieving deeply for their cherished community members who left an incredible legacy of kindness, caring and empathy in their wake. This event brings into sharp relief not only how fragile life truly is but also their lasting contributions which were far-reaching beyond just Des Moines.
Who Were Fred and Mary Lehman?
Fred and Mary Lehman epitomized community service. Married for 57 years, they provided refuge to elderly residents as well as housing the homeless; often providing aid through church missions as missionaries or pastors while Mary, often known as Mama Mary at Iowa State Bar Association events dedicated their lives to service and kindness.
The Tragic Accident
The Lehman couple’s lives were tragically cut short on a Sunday night. They were returning from church when their 1999 Buick Century was involved in a collision with a 2011 Camaro driven by an 18-year-old. The accident occurred as they turned onto East 27th Street from East University Avenue. The impact was severe, causing their vehicle to hit a utility pole and flip over. This accident not only claimed their lives but also left an indelible mark on the young driver involved.
The Aftermath and Legacy
In the wake of this tragedy, their daughter, Lyndsay, has shown remarkable strength and compassion. Echoing her parents’ lifelong values, she speaks of forgiveness and empathy, even for the young driver involved in the accident. The Lehman family’s focus on understanding and supporting the driver reflects their deep commitment to the values Fred and Mary lived by.
Fred and Mary’s legacy extends beyond their immediate family. Their involvement in missionary work, dedication to helping the homeless, and Mary’s contributions at the Iowa State Bar Association speak volumes of their altruistic nature. Their lives were a testament to the power of love, compassion, and service to others.
Reflections on Their Lives
The Lehman couple’s story serves as an incredible testament to how one act can have such an enormous impactful and selfless result. Fred’s missionary efforts fostered an important sense of community within their family unit while Mary used her job at Iowa State Bar Association not simply as a job but an avenue to extend kindness and warmth towards all she met.
Their sudden departure is a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability, urging us to cherish every moment with our loved ones. The Lehman family, in their time of grief, chooses to honor the memory of Fred and Mary by upholding the values they cherished – compassion, forgiveness, and love.
In conclusion, the story of Fred and Mary Lehman, while marked by a tragic end, continues to inspire and influence through the values they lived by. Their lives remind us of the enduring power of kindness and the ripple effect of our actions on the community and the world at large.
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