Kenneth J. Lehman

Kenneth Jacob Lehman 

December 10, 1945 – March 2, 2026

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 would go on to dedicate nearly forty years of his life to Prince George’s County Public School System, where he made a lasting impact on generations of students.

Ken spent twenty-five years teaching fifth and sixth-grade math and science at Hillcrest Heights Elementary School. During that time, he founded the first Young Astronauts Program in the state of Maryland, inspiring students to explore science, curiosity, and the possibilities of the world beyond them.

After his years in the classroom, Ken continued serving students and educators through his work with the James P. Comer School Development Program in the district office. He later concluded his career in the Research and Development office for Prince George’s County Public Schools, where his thoughtful leadership and dedication to education continued to shape the district.

Above all else, 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.

Ken 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 beautiful granddaughters — Emma Kate (22), Rilyn Grace (19), and Mady Jane (15), 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.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Beall Funeral Home in Bowie, Maryland, with visitation from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Interment will take place at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, Maryland, at 1:00 p.m.

There will be no formal reception following the interment.

The truest legacy a father leaves is not what he had, but who he helped others become.