Duane W. Lehr, 69, an established resident of Waterford, PA, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 after a period of failing health.

Duane was born in Erie, PA to Joseph and Lois (Ott) Lehr on November 13, 1951. He graduated from Tech High school. Duane worked at various manufacturing companies before starting his career at Snap Tite in 1979 as a mechanical and process engineer. He retired in 2018 after 39 years of faithful service.

Duane met and married the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Rosalie Kemp in 1985. They shared 36 amazing years of marriage with their 8 children, 19 grandchildren and one great grand child.

Duane enjoyed life to the fullest which always included large family gatherings, traveling to Keuka Lake with Peggy, sitting by the fire and putting together puzzles and spending time with all his grandchildren. Duane was a loving and caring man whose generosity, love and loyalty reached so many people. He served as a deacon at the Waterford Baptist Church, as well as served on the Academy and Central High School Sports Boosters and volunteered his time at the Veteran Miracle Center of Erie and other local businesses. He was a man of Christ and devoted his life to sharing the good news.

He is survived by: his wife, Peggy, his children: Heather Garczynski, Joseph Lehr (Linda), Angela Badaracco (Matt), Therese Mills, George Higgins, Daniel Lehr (Nicole), Jennifer Lehr and Vinnie Higgins (Nichole), as well as 19 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Visiting hours will be Friday, July 9th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford, PA, and also on Saturday, July 10th at the Waterford Baptist Church from 10-11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at the church at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Duane’s honor to the Running for Parkinson’s Foundation.