Richard James Lehmann, 83, passed away on October 15, 2026 in Independence, MO, surrounded by his loving family. Richard leaves behind a family who loved him dearly, a lifetime of accomplishments and very little doubt about how he thought things should be done.

Born on February 26, 1943, to Ethel and Richard Lehmann in St. Louis, Missouri, Rich was intelligent and generous with his knowledge. “Quite frankly” and “Well, actually” began conversations his family now wishes they could have just once more.

He married the love of his life, Sharon Lynam, on November 27, 1965. Together they enjoyed dancing, playing cards, traveling and raising their family in the Kansas City area. Family driving trips created a lifetime of stories and his travels took him to all 50 states.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Northeast Missouri State College and master’s degree from Central Missouri State University, Rich served others as a teacher, principal and fire chief. He began his professional fire service career in Independence before becoming the first fire investigator for the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office. Among Missouri’s first licensed paramedics, he served as a chief officer in Fort Osage, Grandview and Liberty, and as president of both Missouri Valley Fire Chiefs Association and the Missouri Fire Chiefs as well as the executive director of Missouri Fire Chiefs. Chief Lehmann received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Missouri Association of Fire Chiefs.

Rich trained generations of firefighters throughout the Kansas City area, teaching at Penn Valley Community College and, after retiring as Liberty’s fire chief, Johnson County Community College. His influence extended statewide through the fire service instructor curriculum he created through the MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute. He took pride in those he taught, led and mentored, leaving a legacy in those who continue to serve.

He loved a good meal, a well-made cocktail and a travel itinerary planned with a spreadsheet. He treasured both the family he was born into and the big, lively one he joined through Sharon, enjoying the holidays and celebrations that brought everyone together.

Retirement brought more time for reading, card games, breakfasts at The Bean Counter and time with loved ones- especially his grandchildren, Audrey and Caleb, who considered him a best friend. Countless meals, conversations and ordinary moments together made Papa an important part of Audrey and Caleb’s everyday lives.

He never entirely retired from being in charge or caring for others. At The Parkway in Blue Springs, MO, where he lived, he organized The Gratitude Fund for staff and gave Communion to fellow residents on Sunday mornings.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ethel and Richard Lehmann, many loved ones and his beloved wife, Sharon, who had a 21-year head start on some peace and quiet while she let us hold onto him a little longer.

He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Lisa Guenther (Scott); his son, Michael (Tammera); his cherished grandchildren, Audrey Lehmann and Caleb Lehmann; his siblings, David Lehmann (Ann), Stephen Lehmann (Denise) and Sue Lehmann; his extended family, including Allison Guenther-Bennett, her husband, Jacob, and their son, Elijah; and his many loved ones, friends and colleagues. They will remember his intelligence, his stories and the unmistakable voice of a man they were fortunate to call Dad, father-in-law, Papa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, mentor and friend.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel,1640 N. 291 Hwy, Liberty, M O 64068, with services immediately following at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in Glenridge Cemetery, B Hwy at Shepherd Rd., Liberty, MO

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lee’s Summit Fire Fighters Charities Inc., Attn: Bryan Pottberg Memorial Fund in care of Park Lawn Northland Chapel,1640 N. 291 Hwy, Liberty, M O 64068.