Carolyn E. Lehr, nee Beck, 86, of New Athens, IL, born Saturday, November 18, 1939, in Belleville, IL, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
Carolyn and Red operated Lehr’s Market in New Athens since 1972 with their son Jeff joining them in the business in the late 70’s, and took over from them upon their retirement. Carolyn was the driving force in Red’s music career, traveling Internationally and throughout the U.S. playing jazz festivals and many jazz cruises. She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ- New Athens and the New Athens Womens club.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Husband: David E. “Red” Lehr
- Parents: Gustave and Clara, nee Bahre, Beck
- Brother: David Beck
- Son-in-law: Thomas Knapp
Surviving are her:
- Children
- Jeff “Red” (Wanda) Lehr of New Athens, IL
- Lori Lehr-Knapp of Smithton, IL
- Grandchildren
- Aaron Lehr
- Lindsey (Andrew) Hopper
- Olivia (Corbin) Estes
- Great-grandchildren
- Hadley Estes
- Charlotte Estes
- Lennox Hopper
- Levi Hopper
- Sister-in-law: Fern Frick of Mt. Vernon, IL
- Beloved nieces and nephew
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. John United Church of Christ-New Athens
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026 at St. John United Church of Christ at 301 S. Market St. in New Athens, IL and also from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026 at St. John United Church of Christ.
Services: Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026 at St. John United Church of Christ-New Athens, with Rev. Dr. Donald Wagner officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, New Athens, IL.
