Dr. Noel D. M. Lehner, DVM

Noel D. M. Lehner, DVM passed away on November19, 2023 at the age of 86. He was a man of grace, honor, intelligence and love for his fellow man. Noel was born and raised in Chicago and spent the rest of his life in North Carolina, Georgia and finally South Carolina. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Betty, a son Theo Lehner and a daughter Sarah Lehner. After receiving his veterinary degree from the University of Illinois in 1961 Noel accepted a commission in the United States Army’s Veterinary Corps. There he developed an interest in the emerging field of Laboratory Animal Medicine. After three years he was honorably discharged as a Captain and entered a training and degree program in Laboratory Animal Medicine at Wake Forest University. During his Masters studies he was asked to join the faculty of Wake Forest’s Bowman Gray School of Medicine and remained with that institution until 1986. He became an expert primatologist and pioneered humane facilities and protocols before the use of nonhuman primates declined and mice became more widely used. Dr. Lehner then took a position as Director of Emory University’s fast growing Division of Laboratory Animal Resources in Atlanta. Dr. Lehner authored, co-authored and edited papers about animal facilities and various studies on diabetes, cholesterol and heart disease. Dr. Lehner was co-editor with Dr. Jack Hessler of the text Planning and Designing Research Animal Facilities. He participated in the design and remodel of several buildings at Emory and consulted with other private and educational entities about their facility issues. At Emory Dr. Lehner developed internships, Masters and PhD programs for veterinarians interested in the field of Laboratory Animal Medicine. Many of those men and women in the field today owe their Lab Animal education to Dr. Lehner and his department. Dr. Lehner received several awards of distinction prior to his full retirement in 2005. He became a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, served on the Board of Trustees of the American Association of Laboratory Science from 1988 to 1990, was a member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Georgia Technical Institute, and was a member of the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. Dr. Lehner consulted with other Atlanta educational institutions including being the overseeing veterinarian for Morehouse College School of Medicine. He made many accreditation inspections to various programs across the country throughout his tenure at Emory. Dr. Lehner loved his work, especially the training of young veterinarians to become laboratory animal specialists, several of whom have ascended to the top of the field. After retiring to South Carolina with his wife, Dr. Lehner often expressed gratitude for a fulfilling career, happy marriage and wonderful family. Dr. Lehner was devoted to his career in Laboratory Animal Medicine but never lost his love for all areas of veterinary science. He was a dedicated caretaker for many pet dogs, cats, horses, chickens, rabbits, and all the assorted animals that people would bring to his doorstep for help and advice. Dr. Lehner’s last patient was his daughter’s cat Stella who he lovingly cared for this past summer. Dr. Lehner exemplified the description of a life well lived. May he rest in peace. Memorials may be sent to Thornwell Home for Children; 302 S. Broad St., Clinton, SC 29325 or to the charity of your choice.

Dr. Noel D. M. Lehner, DVM

December 21, 1936 - November 19, 2023