William James Lehman, lifelong Evart resident, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025 peacefully at home, with his family at his side. Mr. Lehman was 81 years old.

Bill was born on October 8, 1944 in Reed City, Michigan, to Franklin and Frances (Purtill) Lehman. In 1963, Bill graduated from Evart High School and entered into the National Guard. He was activated during the Detroit riots in ‘67 and continued to serve as a guardsman for over 20 years.

Bill‘s love of landscaping and excavating led him to become the owner and operator of Evart Excavating. In the mid 80’s, he expanded his excavating business by purchasing D & D Lime. In the late 90’s Bill retired and became a trustee for Evart Twp., served on the Osceola County Road Commission for ten years, and from 2008 until his health began to decline in 2018, he enjoyed trucking for R.E. Hovey Construction in Rosebush.

Throughout the years Bill was actively involved with the Evart Fire Department, Evart Car Club, and was an altar server at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Bill thought of everyone before himself with a sharp wit. He enjoyed tractors, cars and food, which often led to going out of his way to try out a new restaurant.

On July 17, 2022 he married longtime sweetheart, Linda Listerman at Sacred Heart. Where there was one of them there was two. They were blessed to be together for the last 22 years.

Bill is survived by his wife, Linda; children, William D. Lehman and Jill Hickey; son-in-law, Scott McLachlan; six grandchildren, Payton Howard, Angela Schultz, Kristin (Chris) Miller, Scott (Courtney Lincoln) Hicks, Sarah (Troy Sloan) Shoemaker, Michael Hicks II and Taylor (Jake) Chaillier, ten great grandchildren; extended family, and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by: daughter, Beth McLachlan; stepson, Benjamin Logic; son-in-law, Patrick Hickey; sister, Margaret Lehman; his parents and in-laws.

Cremation has taken place through the Corey Funeral Home in Evart. Mass will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, November 5th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 9878 US Hwy. 10, Evart, MI, 49631, with visitation for family and friends one hour prior, 10AM to 11AM. Military honors will be conducted by the Evart VFW Post 7979 and AmVet Post 11. Bill will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.coreyfuneralhome.com