Pencor Services Inc. Chairman of the Board Emeritus Donald Reinhard says he lost a good friend with the death July 24, 2013, of Controller and Treasurer Jeffrey J. Gehman, 52, of Allentown.

Reinhard interviewed Gehman when he applied for the position with the company.

"He was laid back, intent [at the interview]," Reinhard recalled. "He really knew the controller, treasurer's responsibilities.

"He knew what had to be done."

Reinhard, who knew the exact date Gehman began with Pencor Services: Jan. 4, 1990, said he worked for a few years as controller for a construction company following college.

"He was really a good employee and a good friend," Reinhard said.

Gehman, who was born in Allentown, died in his home surrounded by his family.

He and wife Deanna E. (Lee) Gehman were married 25 years.

They had four children: sons Wyatt and Bryce and daughters Shelby and Livia.

A 1979 graduate of Parkland High School, he was the son of Joan J. (Bray) Gehman of Whitehall and the late William A. Gehman Jr.

Gehman, who graduated in 1983 with a degree in accounting from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Va., was a member of Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, Allentown.

Liberty University Chancellor and President Jerry Falwell Jr. emailed The Press a remembrance of his friend.

"Jeff was one of those college buddies who became a closer friend as the years went by," Falwell wrote. "His comical emails often brightened my day.

"I appreciated how both his faith in Christ and his love for his alma mater grew over the years as well.

"His premature 'graduation' from this life shocked us all.

"I was blessed to have a loyal friend in Jeff and will greatly miss him."

Pencor Services Executive Vice President Fred Masenheimer recalled Gehman often referred to Reinhard as his mentor.

"Well, maybe in the early days I was his mentor but he soon outgrew that," Reinhard said. "He was sharp. He took over very well in a short time."

Reinhard recalled Gehman was a private person.

"He was pretty much all business but he wasn't stern," Reinhard said. "He was a good friend."

In addition to his wife, mother and children, Gehman is survived by a brother William A. III and his wife Carla; sister Jocelyn J. Easton and her husband Michael, both of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; sister Judith J. Rychnovsky and her husband Thomas of Allentown; and many nieces and nephews.

His memorial service was held July 29, in Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church.

Schantz Funeral Home P.C., of Emmaus, handled his funeral arrangements.

Online condolences for the family may be made at schantzfh.com.

Contributions in Gehman's memory may be given to Lehigh Valley Christian High School, 330 Howertown Road, Catasauqua, PA 18032.