Lehman, Martin C. (1883-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Jan 2 p. 3

Birth date: 1883

text of obituary:

Former Missionary, College Professor Dies in Accident

Elkhart, Ind. — An accident at his home on Benham Avenue here Sunday morning, Dec.22, claimed the life of Dr. M. C. Lehman, 80, for many years a missionary to India and a former professor to India and a former professor at Goshen College and relief worker in Europe under the MCC.

While working with his car on the snowy driveway, Dr. Lehman was somehow pinned in the car door as the vehicle struck the doorway of the garage. His lifeless body was found by Mrs. Lehman. Death was due to suffocation.

A native of Dalton, Ohio, Dr. Lehman graduated from Goshen College in 1904. With his wife, the former Lydia Liechty of Sterling, Ohio, he served as a missionary to India under the Mennonite (Old) Church from 1905 to 1930. He received his doctorate from Yale University in 1934, and from 1934 to 1939 was professor of philosophy and psychology at Goshen College.

Before and during World War II Dr. Lehman served as a relief worker in Europe under the MCC, and also as a regional CPS director in this country. From 1945 until his retirement 1957 he served in Europe on the staff of the U. S Central Intelligence Agency. Since retirement he has been active in church work, as a lecturer at the Indiana University Extension, and as a substitute teacher at Elkhart High School.

Funeral services were held Dec. 24 at the Prairie Street Mennonite Church, of which he was a member. Rev. Howard Zehr, the pastor, and Rev. J. D. Graber officiated.

Surviving in addition to the widow are two daughters, Mrs. Edwin I. (Irene) Weaver, a missionary in Nigeria, and Mrs. Robert L. (Carolyn) Bender of Elkhart; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and three brothers.

The Mennonite obituary: 1964 Jan 21 p. 44