He was elected state auditor in 1974, defeating future U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Lehr resigned in 1977 to spend more time with his family, including his son who had suffered muscular dystrophy.

[3][4] After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in accounting, he was appointed auditor of Jackson County, Missouri, in 1963.

[6] During his watch the County built the Truman Sports Complex, and Lehr on one occasion, mediated during a possible strike that threatened the project.

[8][9] In 1974, Lehr was elected Missouri auditor by a margin of about 73,000 votes, defeating the appointed incumbent John Ashcroft.

[13] Lehr considered running, even before he was elected Auditor,[14][15] but would ultimately decline to enter the race.

After leaving office, Lehr was named the president of the Empire Bank and Trust Company in Kansas City.

[24] In 1981, Lehr accepted a post as executive director of the Teamsters Union Central States pension fund.