Obit of Lehr, Dr. Roland Edward - Cleveland County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 29 Jan 2006 Return to Cleveland County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/cleveland/cleveland.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================== ::Not Listed Norman Transcript 18 Jul 2003 Dr Roland Edward Lehr Dr. Roland Edward Lehr died Wednesday, July 16, in Norman. Services will be at 3 p.m. July 26 at University Lutheran Chapel. A reception will follow at the church. Dr. Lehr was born Nov. 7, 1942, in Quincy, Ill., to Roland A. and Kathryn A. Lehr. He came to the University of Oklahoma as assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry after receiving an A.B. (magna cum laude) in chemistry from Princeton University and a Ph.D. from Harvard University where he worked with Nobel Laureate R.B. Woodward. At various times, he was interim department chairman and acting dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He was a David Ross Boyd Professor and a Regents’ Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He also received both a Sigma Xi Award and a Regents’ Award for Research. He was a highly respected teacher and scientist and he served for many years as an advisor to chemistry majors. He authored an independent study course in organic chemistry that remains a mainstay of the Continuing Education curriculum. His scholarly work included studies with R.B. Woodward on cyclization mechanisms of organic molecules and he continued this work in Norman where he co-authored the first textbook written on concerted cyclization reactions. The book was a standard in graduate organic chemistry courses throughout the world for years. He is best known for his work on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, work that was important in understanding the toxicity and carcinogenic nature of these compounds. He was a popular seminar speaker on these and other topics. He was an active member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi and the American Chemical Society and held many positions of leadership in these organizations. He held many elected and appointed positions in university governance. He was a dedicated member of the University Lutheran Chapel and participated in many study groups. He was a keen golfer with a simple style and good game around the greens. He enjoyed most of all to spend time at the family cabin in Canada fishing for, and catching, walleye and northern pike. He enjoyed backpacking in the mountains and was always far ahead of his companions at any point in a hike. He enjoyed all OU sports as a spectator and enjoyed entertaining in his home. He was a good cook, popular host and a popular guest. Dr. Lehr is survived by his children, Quincy and Amy Lehr, graduate students in New York City and Boston, respectively; sisters, Linda Eyer and husband, Clarence, of Syracuse, Ind., Susan Lehr of Bloomington, Ind., and Sara Corry and husband, Howard, of Albuquerque, N.M.; uncle, Bob Shuck of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; cousins, Robert Shuck of Clearwater, Fla., and Jerry Shuck of Seminole, Fla.; five nieces; and one nephew. Memorial contributions may be made to Mission Hospice, 515 Central Park Drive, Suite 107 Oklahoma City, Okla. 73105. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Cleveland County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/cleveland/cleveland.htm-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Cleveland County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/cleveland/cleveland.html