Lehmeier, George W. Bill December 31, 1924 - February 7, 2012

George William Patrick Lehmeier, Jr., was born December 31, 1924 in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to George and Irene Lehmeier. He passed away February 7, 2012 at Sac Osage Hospital, Osceola, MO. Bill served in the Army Air Corps. In 1943 he was assigned to his first crew. His crew of ten men were sent overseas to the European Theater of Operations to assist in the battle against Hitler and the Japanese. The crew was assigned to the 15th Army Air-corps in northern Italy. After twenty three successful missions, his twenty fourth mission on a B-24 was shot down near the Adriatic Sea. On September 12, 1943 all of the men were captured by the Germans. Bill spent a few weeks at Stalag Four and then began the torturous ‘death march’ that lasted 10 months and covered 600 kilometers. On July 12, 1944 they were liberated by the American Troops. On October 31, 1945 Bill was honorably discharged. He was awarded the Silver Star, a Purple heart and the WWII Victory Medal among other medals. After returning from the service he married Jean McGoldrick. To this union three children were born, Billy, Wendy and John. After this marriage was dissolved he married Jane Evans, who preceded him in death. In 1992 Bill moved to Lowry city, MO to care for his mother in-law, Flora Evans who passed away in 2002. On August 12, 2010 Bill married his long time caregiver and friend, Shirley Pitts of Lowry City, MO. Bill had many occupations during his lifetime. He retired from hauling steel. He was P.O.W. Commander for several years in Lowry City and had many friends. Bill had a great sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. He is survived by his wife, Shirley of Lowry City, MO; two sons, Billy Lehmeier, Penn Hills, PA, John Lehmeier, Pittsburg, PA, daughter, Wendy Lehmeier, Verona, PA; four step children, Bobby Pitts, Pleasant Hill, MO, Randy Pitts, Independence, MO, Cheryl Addington, Payson, AZ and Jamie , Pitts, Independence, MO, many nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends. Bill was loved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed.