Kenneth J. Lehman

Kenneth Jacob Lehman, beloved father, grandfather, educator, and mentor, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at the age of 80.

Ken graduated from Rhodes High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1963. On August 29, 1964, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Lehman. Together they built a life grounded in love, family, faith, and a deep commitment to education and service.

While working at the United States Patent Office and later with NASA, Ken pursued his passion for learning, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education. He dedicated nearly forty years to the Prince George’s County Public School System, where he made a lasting impact on generations of students. He spent twenty-five years teaching fifth and sixth-grade math and science at Hillcrest Heights Elementary School and founded the first Young Astronauts Program in the state of Maryland, inspiring students to explore science and the world beyond them. He later continued serving students and educators through his work with the James P. Comer School Development Program and concluded his career in the Research and Development office for Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Above all, Ken was devoted to his family. Together with Betty, he raised three sons—Christopher John, Keith Jacob, and Jason James—and built a home centered on love, integrity, and perseverance. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Lehman, and by his brothers Lawrence and Robert Lehman. He is survived by his sister Delores Lehman; his sons Christopher John, Keith Jacob, and Jason James; his daughter-in-law Nicole Lehman; and his three granddaughters—Emma Kate, Rilyn Grace, and Mady Jane—who brought him immeasurable pride and joy. He is also survived by a host of family members who knew him as uncle, brother, grandpa, and dad, as well as dear friends whose bonds with him transcend this world.

Those who knew Ken remember him as a man of quiet strength, steady character, and deep commitment to helping others learn and grow. Whether in the classroom, among colleagues, or at home with his family, he lived a life guided by integrity, curiosity, and kindness. Nearly sixteen years after the sudden passing of his beloved Betty, we take comfort in believing that their story continues together. Ken’s legacy lives on in the family he raised, the students he inspired, and the many lives he touched through a lifetime of teaching, mentorship, and love.