Lester L. Zehr Jr's Obituary
Lester L. Zehr Jr, 87, of New Haven/Hoagland, passed away early Sunday morning, March 25, 2018 at home. Born May 7, 1930, in Fort Wayne, he was a son of the late Lester Zehr, Sr and Inez (Null) Zehr. He was raised on the east side of New Haven. Lester worked as a mechanic in the Augspurger garage in Woodburn, then as a mechanic at Allen County Motors for several years. He hired in at International Harvester in 1960 and retired after 30 years. Lester said, “It was the best job I could have.” He learned something new everyday and co-workers were like family. Lester and Larry Redmon created New Haven Aircraft Association and he built and owned countless planes – from bi-planes to warbirds and everything in between. He was one of the original founders of E.A.A. Chapter 2 in Fort Wayne. Lester’s hobbies included ballroom dancing with his wife and attending countless car shows. He built numerous cars from Model T’s to 37 Ford’s to wherever his imagination led him. In his later years, visiting with friends at Smith Field and buddies at car shows made his days brighter. Lester was well-liked and respected by all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Jim (Pat) Zehr of New Haven and Tim (Karen) Zehr of Roanoke; siblings, Betty Herberger and Pete (Diane) Zehr; six grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Barbara J. (Lake) Zehr in 2017; and brother-in-law, Bob Herberger.
Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday at Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E, New Haven with visitation one-hour prior. Visitation is also 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial in IOOF Cemetery, New Haven. Preferred memorials to Parkview Home Health and Hospice or Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 2.
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