Obituary of Don Lehrbaum

Donald Alan Lehrbaum, Don to all who knew and loved him, died on December 4, 2019. He was surrounded by his loving family who spent the early morning hours singing worship songs, sharing in memories, praying for and comforting him. He slipped into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, between one breath and the next. 

Born on May 6, 1935, in New York City, New York, he was the son of Eugene L. Lehrbaum and Pauline "Bee" (Ketzis) Lehrbaum.  He was married to his devoted wife Mary (Barber) Lehrbaum, for 66 years. Don graduated from Red Bank High School, Red Bank, New Jersey in 1952.  He attended Columbia University in New York City, New York from 1952-1953 and 1953-1954 where he studied engineering.  At the age of 18 he and Mary secretly  eloped and married in Raleigh, North Carolina on November 28, 1953.  

Don had many interesting and varied jobs including Director/Creator of an after school recreation group, swimming instructor at a day camp, lifeguard, manager and eventual owner of a motorcycle sales business.  

He became a follower of Jesus Christ in 1989.  After retiring from his business and with his new-found faith he decided to volunteer at Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, eventually directing the tape ministry for 21 years.

Don loved swimming, camping, boating, scuba diving, fishing, dirt bike riding, water skiing, and the beach.  He was also musically talented, playing the harmonica, guitar and accordion.  Most of all he enjoyed living aboard their boats; "The Ark" and later, "The Sand Dollar" with his wife and children.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter, Debora Lutz (Steven), son, David Lehrbaum (Vicki), daughter Vicky Shields (Steven), son, Barrett Lehrbaum, daughters Jennifer Eckman (Kenneth), Kathryn Birran (Ronald), brothers Richard Lehrbaum (Harriett), Kenneth Lehrbaum (Jean), 27 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren.  Vistation will be Sunday, December 8, 2019, from 10am-12pm at Pinecrest Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, December 9, 2019, 12pm, at Calvary Chapel Worship Center in New Port Richey.