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Louis Lehner Jr. "Lou" was born in Ysleta, TX on December 23, 1920. He spent his formative years mostly in the Los Angeles, CA area and southern Arizona. He graduated from high school in Safford, AZ in 1937 and then attended Junior College in Thatcher, AZ. This was the time of the Great Depression, so Lou joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to obtain employment. It was about this time he met his only sweetheart, Effie Ewing, and they married in 1942. Lou felt it was his duty to serve his country, so he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps shortly after that. He qualified for pilot, bombardier, or navigator training, and the Army sent Lou to Butler University to study math. He then completed training as a navigator After training, Lou was assigned to Consolidated B-24 "Liberator" four-engine bombers. His last duty stations were Okinawa and mainland Japan. Lou rarely discussed his military service until just recently. One of his most compelling memories is of a Jeep ride through the ruins of Hiroshima. After WWII, Lou obtained a civilian pilot license and contributed many hours to the search and rescue missions of the Civil Air Patrol. With his math background, Lou qualified for an apprenticeship as a machinist, and eventually attained the top level of tool and dye machinist. He worked for Phelps Dodge Company in Arizona; American Car and Foundry in Albuquerque; spent five years in Peru at the Peruvian Copper Company; and then returned to General Electric in Albuquerque. His skill and experience allowed him to work on the prototypes of new military armaments, although he never discussed anything. When he retired, Lou stayed busy as a "rock hound", cutting and polishing gemstones, jewelry making, studying computer programs, and attending dances and potluck dinners at the senior center. He enjoyed playing Bingo and Skip Bo although his wife Effie, won as often as not. And, Lou seldom went anywhere without his camera. In addition, he became a consummate storyteller, and regaled family, friends and strangers alike with his fascinating tales. Lou was called back into service by our Heavenly Father and departed our company on September 21, 2008. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Effie Ewing Lehner; son Louis Roy and wife Darlene Lehner, son James Lee and wife Frieda Lehner, son Lonnie Lehner; and daughter Kathie S. Lehner. He was proud of his eight grandchildren and their spouses, Gary Reed and wife Stephanie, Dawn Sithens and husband Robbie, Cata Muller and husband Robert, Kristin Wilson and husband Brent, Karie Lehner, Aaron Ready, James L. Lehner, and Michael Louis Lehner. Lou spent as much time as possible with his five great-grandchildren and enjoyed their company. They are Gary James and Morgan Reed, Auriana Lehner, Samuel Louis and Chelsea Wilson, and Rebecca Sithens. Services will be held at the Daniels Family Funeral Services Chapel on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. The Chapel is located at 7601 Wyoming NE, Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Louis Lehner to Presbyterian Hospice at 8100 Constitution Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, or to the charity of your choice.
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