Ralph L. Lehman 86, passed on to eternity on Friday, October 12, 2007, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, IA after a courageous, never ending battle with cancer. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 Sunday, October 14, 2007, at the Bacon Funeral Chapel, 1418 Fawcett Pkwy, Nevada, IA, with funeral services Monday, October 15, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at The Colo United Methodist Church, Colo, IA. Burial will follow with military rites at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. Ralph was born on February 18, 1921, in Rhodes, Iowa, to Charles and Grace (Johnson) Lehman. He attended and graduated from Colo High School in 1939. While in high school Ralph participated in vocal music, basketball and football and played the trumpet in band. One of his proudest accomplishments was being named to the All Opponent Football Team of Ames High School in 1937 and 1938. In 1939-1940 Ralph attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA, where he played and captained both the basketball and the football teams. In 1940 he left college to farm with his Grandfather Clarence Johnson who had become ill. On May 29, 1943, Ralph Leroy married the former Betty Theone Boller of Nevada, IA, in Brookings, SD. Ralph served in the South Pacific during WWII and participated in the occupation of Japan. He was a Staff Sergeant when discharged in August 29, 1946. He then returned home to devote his life to his family and his love for farming. During his life Ralph was involved in many organizations including: Member of the Colo Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Order of Eastern Star, Story County Beef Producers for 6 years including President, FHA Association Board Member, Collins Township Trustee, Story County Extension Board and Board Member of the Indian Creek Country Club. He farmed and lived in Collins, Iowa, until semi-retirement in 1980 when he and Betty moved to Nevada, IA, where they continue to live. Ralph will always be remembered by his family and friends as a man with a smile, who loved to tease, eat pecan pie and celebrate all occasions with family and friends. His wit and happy approach to life was appreciated by most, and respected by his family. When his family was young they enjoyed annual summer vacations. His long hospital stays endeared him to many who cared for him, care for which he appreciated so much. His greatest pride came to him from Betty, the love of his life, and the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Anyone who knew Ralph knew about the last ball game, concert or job promotion of his family. They were the love and pride of his life. Ralph is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty; daughter Janie (Jim) Paape of Mason City, IA; son Jim (Diane) Lehman of Peru IN; daughter Julie (Mark) Farren of Colo, IA. Grandchildren Mara (Tim) Kaplan of Cottage Grove, MN; Tyson Paape of Cedar Rapids; IA, Nick Paape of Omaha, NE; Stephanie ( Matthew) Morgan of Boise, ID; Ian (Shannon) Lehman of Cincinnati, OH; Ashley Lehman of Peru IN; Kira ( Rob) Nelson of Roland, IA; Kylee (Brad) Fleming, Taylor Farren, Madison Farren, McKenna Farren all of Colo, IA. Great grandchildren: Wesley, Maislin, Peyton, Jack and Max. Brother Earl (Diana) Lehman of Kansas City, MO; and sisters Evelyn Wielage of Lincoln, NE and Joann (Richard) Emanuel of Parker, CO and their families. Ralph was preceded in his death by his parents and brother Eugene.