Family man, rancher, tradition- keeper, and the family’s only baby boy, Paul Valliant Lehmberg was born in Fredericksburg, Texas on September 30, 1947, and went to be with the Lord on September 15, 2024, at the age of 76. He attended Mason schools, graduated from Mason High School, and then attended Uvalde College and Sul Ross University before joining his family on the family ranch. He married Sherry Allen on March 31, 1974, and they were married for 50 wonderful years.
Paul is survived by his wife, Sherry, of Mason, three children, son Lex Lehmberg and wife, Christie, of Mason, son Otto Lehmberg and wife, Erin, of Bushland, and daughter Ashley Lehmberg Osbourn and husband, Collin, of Mason. He was affectionately known as “Paco” to Della Ray Osbourn, Zalen Lehmberg, Lydia Lehmberg, Anna Lehmberg and Kirby O’Connell. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Alice Ruth Allen, sister-in-law, Beverly Williams, and brotherin- law, Danny Lee McCleery, as well as special cousins’ “Sister Carolyn” and husband, Bill Davis, Buster Terrell, and Bob and Martha Vacek. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. He was a cousin and friend to many. He was truly loved and respected by all.
Paul was best known in the community of Mason for his spunky spirit and welcoming heart. He inherited the gift of southern hospitality. Much like his parents, there were “no strangers” in Paul’s life - at least not for long. A name as an introduction never satisfied him; he needed to know who is behind the name, where they come from, what they do, and what connections he might have to them. His quick wit and humor made him a friend to many. He loved to give people a hard time, and if you rated pretty high, he might have even given you a nickname. He often told his grandchildren to stay out of trouble and they would be quick to respond, “You behave and stay out of trouble too.”
Paul was a Rancher; he treasured ranch life and hunting and passed along these traditions to his children and grandchildren. He loved to drive around the ranches and check the cattle and goats. He loved to go hunting for white-tail deer and turkey. He taught his children the importance of hard work and to always put family first. As an avid sportsman, he strived to pass along the importance of youth hunting by being a 4-H Shooting Sports leader for many years as well as hosting youth for Operation Orphans. He was also a big supporter of the Mason County 4-H and FFA programs. He enjoyed reloading bullets and working on guns for family and friends. At home he loved to read and enjoyed playing tetris and solitaire on his game-boy or ipad. His grandchildren remember his crazy ability to do math in his head. Paul was the glue that held many of the family traditions. He treasured time with family from Hoffmann gettogethers to Lehmberg Reunions, and he always instilled his strong Christian values in his family. His steadfast love for his family was always at the forefront. His grandchildren remember him playing pranks and tricking them, and no matter what they did he never got mad. They all had him wrapped around their little finger and could do no wrong. His family will always cherish the family history and memoirs, which were passed down.
“God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.” Paul always tried to make the best of all situations he was confronted with; he loved his family and praised the Lord. He was at peace and always used his encouraging words of wisdom to make his point. He believed that hard work was important and that it didn’t matter how much you made or what color your skin was; he treated everyone with respect that gave him respect. He taught his children and grandchildren to always remember that everyone puts on their pants the same way and don’t forget that we are all the same.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Gloria Lehmberg; grandparents, Otto and Della Hofmann and Walter and Lydia Lehmberg; father-in-law, Warner Daniel (WD) Allen; and sister-in-law, Danny Karen McCleery.
The family would like to thank Menard Manor and Hospice of San Angelo for all of their loving care and support.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home, with burial at Gooch Cemetery in Mason.
Pallbearers: Josh Calhoun, Chip Edmiston, Bryan Davis, Jim Lehmberg, Glen Martin, and Caleb Mitchell.
Honorary Pallbearers: Mr. Paul’s Kiddos - Chama Jade Martin Schaefer, Sierra Jade Martin Nauman, Aspen Jade Martin, Dakota Jade Martin, Clancy Evans Osbourn and Ruby Caroline Osbourn. Friends - Clinton Gamel, William Edmiston, Jay Kothmann, Benny Fred Kothmann, Todd Martin, Jody Osbourn, Eddie Steapp, Jay Tedder, Rick Tisdale, Lloyd Ward, and the nurses and aides at Menard Manor and friends from Los Abuelos.