Dr. H. Fred Lehrer, Jr., age 91 of Morristown, passed away peacefully at Regency Retirement Village on the morning of Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

Born June 23, 1932 in Quincy, Massachusetts, Fred was one of two children born to Harry Frederick Lehrer, Sr. & Lois Chapman Lehrer.

Dr. Lehrer received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas in 1954.

Following graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant and was stationed in Japan and Okinawa at the close of the Korean War.

He continued in the Marine Corps Reserve, where he completed his service with the rank of Captain.

Following his discharge, he returned to the University of Texas, where he began law school before being called into the ministry.

The call drew him from Austin to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, where he received his Master’s degree.

It was there that he also met Joan Hatfield, who, second only to the Lord, would become the love of his life. Married in 1959, the couple remained together for 63 years until her passing in 2022.

He completed his formal education with a Doctorate of Ministry from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky. He served in numerous churches throughout the south, eventually settling in Morristown in 1973.

In the final decades of his ministry, he was involved locally with First Baptist Church Morristown, Beth Carr UMC, and Watkins Chapel UMC, among others.

He also served as the minister to Regency Retirement Village for eight years prior to his own residency there.

Dr. Lehrer described this time as some of the most fulfilling years in ministry.

In addition to his parents, and his beloved wife; Dr. Lehrer was preceded in death by a twin brother, as well as his other sibling, renowned broadcaster, Jim Lehrer.

He is survived by his children, H. Fred (Kristin) Lehrer, III, Catherine (Andrew) Stull, and Paul (Candace) Lehrer; grandchildren, Ryan (Sara) Stull, Steven Stull, Dr. Matthew (Sarah) Stull, and Paige (Joe) Neuzil; great-grandchildren, Cayden & Aubrey Stull, and Dorothy Neuzil.

Dr. Lehrer will be buried with military honors at a private, family gathering at Mountain Home National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to FBC Morristown, The Jesus Film Project, The Billy Graham Evangelical Association, or the Christian charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Regency Retirement Village and Amedisys Hospice.

Together, their compassionate care for Dr. Lehrer was outstanding.

Arrangements by Mayes Mortuary.