1. Industry Leader Charles Lehman Dies At Age
2. Industry Leader Charles Lehman Dies At 91.
Capt. Charles F. Lehman, Influential Industry Leader, Dies at 91
Capt. Charles F. Lehman, a longtime and influential industry leader in the maritime field, passed away at the age of 91 in his home in Louisville, Ky. on January 20. Lehman, who served as the vice president of government affairs for American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL), left behind a legacy of dedication and contributions to the industry.
Born in Chicago in 1932, Lehman’s passion for maritime studies began at a young age. At 18, he started his career as a deckhand on a Norwegian-flagged cargo ship called the S.S. Bennestvet Brovig. However, the low pay of $40 per month led him to explore other opportunities.
Lehman then shifted his focus to the river and joined the mv. St. Paul Socony, where he worked as a tankerman, pushing oil barges along the Mississippi. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, he returned to the river in 1955 and started working for ACBL. Throughout his career, Lehman climbed the ranks, becoming a steersman, pilot, and eventually a master. In later years, he transitioned to a shoreside position, focusing on maintenance and construction.
Lehman’s dedication to the industry did not go unnoticed. In December 1972, ACBL honored him by naming a new vessel, the 5,000 hp. mv. Charles Lehman, after him. His expertise and knowledge also led him to become the vice president of government affairs for ACBL. In this role, he played a significant part in shaping legislative and regulatory affairs within the industry.
Lehman’s contributions extended beyond ACBL. He served as the vice chairman of the Rules of the Road Advisory committee, working closely with the Coast Guard to unify navigation rules for towboats and barges on the inland rivers, Western Rivers, and Great Lakes. His expertise in this area earned him the title of “the industry’s ‘go-to guy’ on the Rules of the Road.”
The Coast Guard recognized Lehman’s valuable service by awarding him the Distinguished Public Service Award. He also received the Achievement Award from the National Rivers Hall of Fame, along with numerous other industry honors.
Even after retirement, Lehman continued to contribute to the maritime field. He authored a comprehensive guide titled A Riverman’s Lexicon, which explores the unique language used by rivermen throughout history. In his free time, Lehman enjoyed historical research, book collecting, poetry, painting, and listening to country music.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3 at St. James Episcopal Church in Pewee Valley, Ky. The family will hold a private committal of ashes at a later date.
Capt. Charles F. Lehman’s passing leaves a void in the maritime industry, but his contributions and influence will be remembered by all those whose lives he touched. His dedication and expertise will continue to shape the industry for years to come.
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1. Industry leader Charles Lehman dies at age
2. Charles Lehman, an industry leader, passes away at age.
