Charles "Goober" Lehman

Charles “Goober” Lehman, age 84 of Lewisburg, KY, passed away on August 7, 2025, in his sleep at home with family.

Born on September 8, 1940, Goober was predeceased by his parents Charles W. and Faye Lehman, and his devoted wife, Betty Hope Lehman, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

Goober is survived by his daughters Beth Morrell (Tim) of Nashville, TN, and Dawn Kopra (Tim) of League City, TX. He was a proud grandparent of Jacqueline Elizabeth Kopra of Utrecht, The Netherlands, and Matthew Charles Kopra of Austin, TX.

As a teenager, Goober overcame polio and relearned to walk on his own – an experience that helped shape his lifelong strong will and determination.

Goober graduated from Lewisburg High School and studied at Austin Peay State University. For 35 years, Goober worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Paradise Steam Plant first in construction, which is where he met Betty, and then served in numerous other roles, primarily as Safety Director until retirement. He took great pride in his involvement in establishing and teaching safety standards for TVA and ensuring hundreds could perform CPR to help save lives.

Outside of work, Goober loved sailing and golfing. He raced sailboats earlier in life and golfed well into his retirement. An avid outdoorsman, he and five friends built their “Ponderosa” log cabin in the woods in the early 1980’s where they hunted, fished, and hosted parties for their family and friends, including pig roasts and weddings. Over the decades, the cabin echoed with laughter, storytelling, and countless good times – where tall tales were shared and the occasional truth slipped in.

Goober was passionate about flying and all things aviation. He earned his pilot’s license, flew his family on vacations, and owned a twin-engine plane with a friend. He also earned his qualification for flying hot air balloons which he used to take seriously ill children attending Camp Rainbow up for rides.

Over the years, Goober was also involved in numerous community organizations including starting and leading several. He was the Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department’s Chief and a founding member of the Coon Range Fish and Game Club and the local Ducks Unlimited. He and Betty volunteered with the Lewisburg Lions Club and Goober with the Boy Scouts of America. He helped the Scouts to earn various merit badges including for ham radio, a hobby Goober (call sign W4HNI) enjoyed for many years connecting with other radio operators around the world and on the International Space Station.

A memorial service will be held on August 16, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Price Funeral Home, 252 E. Green Street, Lewisburg, KY with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Lewisburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lewisburg Books-to-Go Library, Coon Range Fish and Game Club, or Camp Rainbow in Goober’s memory. He would have appreciated that more.

The family would also like to thank the sweet caregivers who made it possible for Goober to be at home until the end, just as he wanted.

Goober was one of a kind known for his quick wit, hearty laugh, and no lack of clarity in his opinions. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

W4HNI out.