Andrew Janisch Lehr, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, businessman, and community leader, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, at the age of 96 in Milford, Ohio. Born in Cincinnati on December 13, 1929, Andy was the son of Ferdinand Jon Lehr and Helen Minnie Batchelor.

Andy married his high school sweetheart, Ethel Mary Currens, on January 7th, 1950, and together they had 5 children: Greg, Dan, Bob (Lori), Nancy Hemmelgarn (Don) and Scott (Liz) Lehr. Andy loved being a grandpa to Brandy, Ben, Jessica, Justin, Amy, Jon, Nick, Charity, Kyle, Holly, Amanda, Blake, Allison, Aaliyah, and his 24 great-grandchildren.

On November 25, 1995, Andy married Joan Mossman Rich and lovingly welcomed her children and family: Debbie (Mike), Kathy (Michael), Roy (Cindy) and Vicki (Jeff), and their children Matthew, Pete, Nick, Joe, Nathan, Shawnna, Ashley, Jamie and 22 great-grandchildren.

While attending Deerpark High School, where he played baseball and football, at age 17 he started work as a butcher at Hines Grocery in Silverton. His work ethic and natural leadership skills quickly led to him managing the meat department. Shortly after, he joined the Ohio National Guard, achieving rank as a Staff Sergeant.

After graduating high school in 1948, he continued to serve in the Guard until 1950. During that time, Andy utilized his work experience as a butcher to support his unit during training exercises and summer encampments.

Seeking greater opportunity, Andy joined Kahn's Meat Packing Company as a salesman. Through hard work, determination, and his extraordinary ability to connect with people, he became one of the company's top salesmen. Yet his entrepreneurial spirit drove him toward a greater dream.

In the mid-1950s, he opened Andy's Meats in Madisonville. Then, in 1960, with a handshake loan from a local banker, Andy founded Lehr's Meats in Milford. What began as a small neighborhood meat market grew into one of the region’s most respected businesses that still thrives today.

An entrepreneur at heart, he was involved with the start-up of local radio station WLKY, and the Cincinnati Comets professional soccer team, while also investing in various other business opportunities. Andy was an active member of the Free Masons of Ohio (1955), the Shriners (1970), and the Kentucky Colonel (1979) brotherhoods.

Beyond his business accomplishments, Andy was deeply committed to the Milford community and families. He supported countless local organizations, civic projects, youth programs, and community events. He was active in the Milford Chamber of Commerce, Frontier Days celebrations, youth soccer programs, and took pride in being a role model for other young entrepreneurs.

Andy was especially proud of the Milford Lehr's Steers youth football and cheerleading program that he founded in the 1960s and sponsored for the youth of Milford. Years later, an NFL player and Super Bowl champion credited that team with sparking his lifelong love of football, a testament to the lasting impact the program had on young people.

His life spanned nearly a century of change and opportunity. While his professional accomplishments were significant, he was devoted to and took great pride in his family. He was absolutely delighted in seeing his children and grandchildren succeed in life. In his last years, he enjoyed talking to his great grandchildren about their interests and futures. His legacy lives on through the family and friends whose lives he touched, the business he built, and the community he helped shape.

A Celebration of Life will take place on October 11th, 2026, at 1PM at The Oasis Conference Center, 902 Loveland-Miamiville Road, Loveland Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati.