CUERO - James Albert Lehman, 87, of Cuero, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2009. He was born June 16, 1921 to Albert and Mary Wasek Lehman in Lavaca County. He served in the U.S. Army for four years during World War II and was stationed in New Guinea for three years. James married Louise Mae Kacir on March 4, 1946 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Sweet Home. He retired from the Texas Highway Department in 1983 after 34 years. He was a member of Sweet Home SPJST Lodge, Sweet Home American Legion, Cuero VFW and member of St. Michaels Catholic Church.

He is survived by his daughters, Sandy (Kenneth) Knief of Victoria and Janyce (Karl) Kuecker of Cuero; grandchildren, Keith Wood and Will Wood of Austin, Julie K. (Jason) Gamez of Cuero and Reagen Kuecker of Cuero, Bryan (Tammy) Knief of Victoria, Nathan Knief and Heather Knief of Victoria; and great-grandchildren, Avrie Gamez and Jace Gamez.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of 60 years.

His family would like to give special thanks to his caregivers, Rockey Goodson and Paul Murray.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2009 at Freund Funeral Home Chapel with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m. A Liturgy of the Word service will be Saturday, April 11, 2009, 10 a.m., at St. Michaels Catholic Church with Father Kirby Hlavaty officiating. Interment will follow at St. Josephs Catholic Cemetery in Yoakum.

Pallbearers: Don Fuchik, Randy Kacir, Gilbert Kacir Jr, Robert Kacir, Kenneth Kacir, and Alan Sizemore, all nephews of James Lehman.

Memorials may be given to St. Michaels Memorial Fund or Donors Choice

Freund Funeral Home, 361.275.2343. www.freundfuneralhome.com