Donald Charles Lechner

Retired US Air Force Veteran

Donald Charles Lechner, 75, of Southport, a Newtown resident for 30 years, died March 12 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Mr Lechner was born in Bridgeport February 1, 1933, and was the son of William and Pauline (Kolar) Lechner.

He is survived by his wife, Judith (Vaillancourt) Lechner; three children, Mark Lechner and his wife, Amy of Madison, Wis., Paul Lechner and his partner, Peter, of southern Maine, Lisa Davey and her husband, Michael, of Cedarville, Ohio; four grandchildren, Meagan, Bart, Nicholas, and A.J.; a brother, Thomas Lechner and wife, Kathy, of Danbury; two sisters, Kathy Dzubak and husband, Robert, and Janet Jackson-Ledermann and husband, Bernard, of Southport; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a twin brother, Robert “Red” Lechner.

Mr Lechner was a retired US Air Force Veteran after 20 years of service, during which time he served in Europe and Southeast Asia. Following his military career he was a systems analyst with Nuclear Energy Systems of Connecticut. He was an avid sailor.

A  Memorial Mass was held March 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Trent Watts officiating. Inurnment followed at the church columbarium with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930 Wellness Drive #B, Greenville NC 27834.

The Newtown Bee        March 21, 2008