Obituary of Frank R. Lehti

Mr. Frank Russell Lehti, age 67, of Boone, North Carolina, passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2018, in New Delhi, India. Frank was the Director of International Logistics for Operation Christmas Child (a project of Samaritans Purse). In this role, Frank laid the groundwork for the sustainable importation of childrens gifts worldwide by pioneering the logistical process and equipping his team with his wisdom, knowledge, and skill. During his 10 years with Samaritans Purse, he traveled to over 20 countries. He spent over 160 days in India alone which was a country that was very near to his heart as it took significant work to successfully build an importation plan. Through his work, not only was he instrumental in sending gifts into India, but he also directly impacted over 107 million needy children in over 110 countries through the shipping of gift boxes and evangelical literature. Frank was born in North Miami Beach, Florida, on October 4, 1950, to Mars Vernon Lehti and Geraldine Newman Lehti. Frank, along with his siblings, Gerri Lee and Frederick, traveled extensively and lived in several cities as their father served at various United States Navy bases. Upon graduation from high school, Frank worked a long career at SeaLand and Maersk, container shipping companies, with duties in international shipping and logistics. After taking early retirement from Maersk, he continued to use his gifts, knowledge and talents in international shipping and logistics in service to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Samaritans Purse as the Director of International Logistics for Operation Christmas Child. While working at SeaLand, Frank met his future wife Miriam. He proposed to her while on a cruise boat where she first responded with a no! but then answered I always wanted to say no to the first guy that proposed to me. They married on August 27, 1977, and were together for 20 years before Miriams death. Frank was known for his prayerful determination to reach more children with the Good News of Jesus Christ. He was also known for his incredible knowledge, drive to move projects forward, his love for his team, his family… and his love for strawberries and chocolate cake. He enjoyed his work and was clearly working within his passion and calling, always committed to excellence. Frank (also known as Papadi by his nieces and nephews) enjoyed riding his bike, walks around town, on the greenway or on some of Boones nature trails, swimming, and accompanying his nieces on outrageous roller coasters. He was a father figure to many. He loved to help people in need, was selfless, had a kind heart and gave the best hugs. Frank had a fierce love and passion for Christ his Savior. He will be remembered for his dedication to God, his incredible work ethic, and his love for the people in his life. As he learned from one of his mentors and clearly lived it out in his own life, he would sign many of his letters and emails with WWTKABAB - Walk with the King and be a blessing! He was preceded in death by his wife, Miriam Garcia Lehti; his parents, Mars Vernon Lehti and Geraldine Newman Lehti; and siblings, Gerri Lee Lehti-Woldorf and Frederick Mars Lehti. He is survived by his son, Steve Yarush; sister-in-law, Carmen Garcia-Swint (John); brother-in-law, Franklin Brian Woldorf; aunt, Venus Lois Lehti Holmen (Carroll); nephews, Aaron Lehti and Bruce Woldorf (Wendy); nieces, Christine Lee Amatucci (Tony), Lesli Arney (Aaron), Christen Swint (Nicholas Theile), Rebecca Duffy (James); cousin, Eric Walter Lehti (Nancy), and many dear friends. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home of Boone, North Carolina will arrange the cremation. A memorial service will be held in Boone for his church and work family scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 28 at First Baptist Blowing Rock with a reception to follow. Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, Fort Myers, Florida, will arrange the memorial service and burial in Fort Myers, Florida, on Saturday, August 4 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Franks memory to Samaritans Purse, Operation Christmas Child (India project). Online condolences may be shared with the family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Lehti family.