Ernest E. Lehman, Sr.

Ernest E. Lehman, Sr., 82, of Lancaster took his eternal hike to heaven on Monday, July 22, 2024 after battling pancreatic cancer. Ernest was born in Lebanon, PA on January 17, 1942, to the late Harry D., Sr. and Rosa I. (Hess) Lehman.

Ernest was a graduate of Northern Lebanon High School in 1959. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he specialized in Ground Communications Equipment Repair and Maintenance and was selected to serve with the 1978th Air and Airways Communications Squadron located in the Panama Canal Zone. After serving in the United States Air Force, Ernest was an engineer at AMP, INC. for 20+ years, as well as a production manager at Hersey Industries and co-owned Apollo Plastics. In 1990, Ernest enrolled at the Harrisburg Area Community College Police Academy and would later serve as an officer for the Susquehanna Regional Police Department (formerly Marietta Borough) for 15 years. He most recently volunteered as a Marietta Special Fire Police Officer. In 1992, Ernest proposed his vision of what is now known as the Northwest River Trail through Marietta Borough, which is a 3-mile linear park and trail that runs along the Susquehanna River. Throughout his years he was an avid hiker and outdoorsman. In 2007, at the age of 64, Ernest ventured out on the Appalachian Trail with the goal of completing all 2,174.9 miles from Springer Mountain, GA to Mount Katahdin, ME. Several years after completing the goal of hiking the AT, he wrote a book about his life and adventures on the trail called “Dirty Ernie’s Long Hike.”

Ernest was a selfless, loving, caring person from family and friends to complete strangers. He enjoyed serving his community and providing a helping hand to whomever needed one. Ernest will be deeply missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Joyce E. Lehman; a daughter, Christine A. Meckley (Timothy); a son, Ernest E. Lehman, Jr.; step children, Maresa Heeks and Suzan Creek (John); grandchildren, Leah Meckley, Morgan Durham (Zachary), Amelia Lehman (Sean Roberts), Wolfgang Lehman, Brandon Heeks, Dakota Heeks, Jill Gailey, Veronica Lanning (Brandon), Dustin Erb (Raisa); great grandchildren, Ephraim and Iris Roberts; siblings, Judy Hicks, James Lehman, and Glenn Lehman. He was predeceased by his siblings, Eleanor Kleinfelter, Donald Lehman, Harry Lehman, Jr., and Jack Lehman.

Family and friends are invited for a visitation on Monday, July 29th from 9:30 to 11 AM at Faith Outreach Center Assembly of God, 475 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM with Pastor Tom Alderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ernest’s honor to the Marietta Northwest River Trail at www.susquehannariverlands.com. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.finkenbinderfamily.com