Doyle Wayne Lehman

Doyle Wayne Lehman, 93, of Berne, Indiana, passed away Wednesday morning, July 22, 2026, at Swiss Village in Berne.

He was born on August 23, 1932 in Berne, Indiana to Albert and Edna (Habegger) Lehman. Doyle was united in marriage to Anna Schwartz on August 30, 1952, in Berne, Indiana. Together they shared 73 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on faith and family.

In June 1955, Doyle was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War. He served his country as a Specialist Third Class (SP3) before receiving an honorable discharge.

A man of deep faith, Doyle was a faithful member of First Mennonite Church in Berne. For 44 years, he faithfully taught Sunday School, touching the lives of countless children and families. He also served three terms as a deacon, providing leadership and compassionate service to his church. Beyond his church, Doyle was an active member of the Berne Rotary Club and was highly respected throughout Indiana's educational community. He served as chairman of the Indiana High School Athletic Association from 1973–1978 and again from 1980–1983, and as President of the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents from 1986–1987. Throughout his distinguished career, he received numerous honors, including recognition from the American Association of School Administrators, the Sagamore of the Wabash, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Berne Chamber of Commerce, and the Distinguished Service Award. Above all, Doyle would want to be remembered as a man of strong Christian faith who loved his family.

A lifelong learner with an unwavering commitment to education, Doyle graduated from Berne French High School with the Class of 1950 before continuing his studies at Purdue University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Agriculture with a minor in General Science and Biology in 1954. He later completed a Master's Degree in Secondary Science Education in 1961, a Master's Degree in Secondary Administration and Supervision in 1964, a Master's Degree in Superintendent Administration and Supervision in 1969, and earned his Life License in 1989.

Doyle devoted 37 years to public education, inspiring students, supporting teachers, and leading schools with integrity and vision. He began his career teaching Vocational Agriculture and Biology at Sardinia High School from 1956 to 1957, Pleasant Mills High School from 1957 to 1958, and Geneva High School from 1958 to 1959. He later returned to his old stomping grounds, Berne French High School, which became South Adams High School, where he served as High School Principal from 1964 to 1978. In 1978, he became Superintendent of Adams Central Community Schools, serving until 1988, before returning to South Adams Schools as Superintendent from 1988 until his retirement from public education in 1993. Never one to slow down, Doyle then joined his family at Hitzer, Inc., where he continued working until his final retirement in 2017.

He was actively involved in the community through 4-H and farming over many years.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Lehman of Berne, Indiana; son, Kevin (Gyneth) Lehman of Union City, Indiana; son. Brent (Joni) Lehman of Berne, Indiana; daughter, Cheryl (Rex) Lautzenheiser of Brandon, Florida; and brother, Claren “Clez” Lehman of Berne, Indiana; nine grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

Doyle was preceded in death by brothers, Adrian (Berneta) & Maynard “Miz” (Pauline) Lehman; and two sisters, Romaine (John) Sprunger and Kaye (Lloyd) Miller; and sister-in-law, Darleen Lehman.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana with Pastor Jeff Linthicum and Paster Jim Schwartz officiating. Burial will follow at M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne.

Family and friends will be received from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne, Indiana, and from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday prior to the service at the church.

Preferred memorials can be given to First Mennonite Church Missions, Global Disciples or Swiss Village Samaritan Fund.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana