SANFORD RAY LEHR

Sandy Lehr

(1943-2020)

Sanford (Sandy) Ray Lehr, 77, passed away Tuesday morning on December 22, 2020 in Fairview, Oklahoma surrounded by his family and the Fairview Fellowship family of 9+ years. Sandy bounced into the world in Okeene, Oklahoma on November 15th, 1943 to Raymond and Henrietta Lehr.

Sandy grew up in Okeene where he spent his time on the farm playing with his sister, numerous cousins and relatives which he kept in regular contact with until his passing. He loved the Okeene Whippets and cheering on his sister, Sue, on the basketball court. Sandy was a lifelong Whippet.

He graduated from Okeene High School and later Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He started his teaching career in Math, P.E., and Drivers Education along with coaching football and track in Harveyville, KS and then later in Coldwater, KS. He imparted his vibrant personality and opinions on a generation of children.

In the early 70’s after, he moved onto his lifetime career with Amoco Production in the oil industry. Sandy started out in Ulysses, KS. He then moved to Woodward, OK where he spent the remainder of his career. Sandy spent 25 plus years in the oilfield.

Sandy’s proudest family achievements were his children. His son, Paul, entered the world in 1968 in Emporia, KS. and his daughter, Jill, in 1970 in Greensburg, KS. He was a “hands-on” Dad and the biggest cheerleader from homework to a variety of school activities including academic achievements, baseball, basketball, and track.

From an early age he was an avid OU Sooners fan. He spent many Saturdays in Norman, OK cheering the Sooners on to victory. We often joked with Dad, the axis of the planet runs through Norman.

In Woodward, there was not a bigger, more involved Woodward Traveler’s Baseball supporter. Sandy loved baseball. He was involved with any aspect of the program. Sandy was all in!

The last 9 years of his life were spent in Fairview, OK where he went back to his roots. He loved spending time with all his relatives and friends. Sandy loved spending time on the farm. He also gained another family at the Fairview Fellowship Homes and within the medical community. His colorful personality followed him everywhere he went as he freely shared his pearls of wisdom.

He is survived by his son, Paul Lehr (Hilary), daughter, Jill Madison (Thomas), sister, Sue Sharp (Bill) and three grandchildren: Bryant, Addison and Eleanor. Sandy was preceded in death, by his parents Raymond and Henrietta Lehr, as well as his brother, Monty. He was preceded by countless relatives and friends.

Graveside funeral services on Monday, January 4th, 2021 at the Roselawn Cemetery, in Okeene, OK at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Hinton. There will also be a viewing on Sunday, January 3rd 2021 at Wilkinson Mortuary in Okeene, OK. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Fairview Fellowship Home or First United Methodist Church in Okeene, OK.