Rae Lehmberg, of Mason, passed away at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, September 25, at the age of 87. Rae was born in Mason on November 22, 1924 to Walter Lehmberg and Lydia Jordan Lehmberg. He was raised in Mason County and was a graduate of Mason High School.

Rae joined the Army during World War II and served in the Pacific. During that time he was involved in fighting in New Guinea, the Southern Philippines and Luzon. He earned 3 bronze campaign stars, one Bronze Arrowhead and also was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor.

After the war, Rae returned to Texas and attended Tarleton for about a year. He fell in love and married Lou Schwanke on November 22, 1947. They were together for 59 years until her death in 2006. Both Rae and Lou were known for their strong convictions and a strong sense of right and wrong. Together they attended both the Democratic and Republican state conventions. They always chose their candidate based on the person, not on the political party.

Rae was a rancher, raising cattle, sheep and goats. He also farmed peanuts for a few years and raised chickens. He was a member of the VFW and Farm Bureau and a fromer member of the NRA. Rae was active in the community, but chose to help rather than to join organizations. Rae strongly believed in God, family and country and had little tolerance for those that did not have those three things as their top priorities.

Rae is survived by his son Brad Lehmberg and wife Terry of Mason, two grandchildren Wesley and Brie Lehmberg, two great-grandchildren Drake and Briley Seismore a brother Roy Lehmberg, of Mason and his very good friend Ric Chapa. Rae was preceded in death by his loving wife Lou, by a son Stuart Lehmberg, two sisters Benellen Hofmann and Bernice Schmidt and three brothers Walton, Fritz and Victor Lehmberg.

Funeral services for Rae Lehmberg will be held on Thursday, September 27, at 10:00 a.m. in the Mason Funeral Home chapel with Mark Hackett officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Gooch Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home.