"He never had anything but a nice word for everyone on the trail. I will miss seeing him. He truly was the original Mayor of the Monon. What a kind man. MSH"
In loving memory of
Robert Lee
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Robert E. Lee
1921-2011
On June 11, 1921 Robert Edwin ?Bob? Lee was born in Roachdale, IN. He was the son of Roy and Josephine Lee who preceded him in death. Bob married his first wife, Virginia Lee Courtney, on Nov. 15, 1941. She passed away Feb. 8, 1944. Their son, Terry Lee (Shirley) survives. Bob is also survived by his brothers, Roy ?Junior? Lee (Pauline) and Ralph Lee (Emma Jean) as well as his sisters, Wanda Zavada, Maxine Freeland, Marjorie Miller (Bob) and Joan Gochenour (Jim) . Bob was preceded in death by his sister Juanita Hale and his brothers Rex, Maurice, Jack and Max Lee. Bob is also survived by his children Douglas Lee (Lisa) and Diane Lee Scott (Randy); grandchildren: Chris Lee (Okeema), Theresa Komlanc (Bryan), Brett Lee (Karma) Jamie Dugan (Rob), Darcy Poff, Amy Lee, Alison Lee (Brett Wilkinson), Adam Lee, Eric Napariu (Ashley), Jennifer Cutcliff (Chris), Dustin Scott (Cari Sheehan), Chad Scott, 15 great grandchildren many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from North Salem High School in 1939 Bob went to work in Indianapolis. While working to support the war effort at Shirley?s Aircraft Plant Bob met and married Maye Grubaugh on Sept. 22, 1945. They were married 60 years until her passing on April 13, 2006. Robert E. Lee Masonry was their business partnership for 37 years. Bob and Maye were active members of King of Glory Lutheran Church for over five decades. Bob touched the lives of many young people in the church by teaching Sunday school, working with Boy Scouts and being the leader of Youth Ministry which involved many retreats, mission projects, Bible studies and a variety of service projects with youth for about 40 years. Bob was also a member of Murat Shriners and a member of the Millersville Masonic Lodge for over 50 years. He was an outdoorsman. Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family members. Throughout most of his life he was participating in sports, coaching youth programs or rooting on his favorite teams such as Butler and IU basketball, the Indianapolis Colts, the Reds and the Yankees as an avid fan. One of his claims to fame was pitching the first no hitter for the Lebanon Canners at Memorial Park in Lebanon, IN.
One of Bob?s greatest joys was spending time with his family. He thoroughly enjoyed simply sharing a meal and telling stories about the past while imparting wisdom in his own special way. He made it abundantly clear that he loved each and every one of his family members deeply. As the years went on, and he moved away from the daily work schedule as a brick mason he seemed to work to established a new purpose in his life. Upon the construction of the Monon Trail near his home he became an avid walker. Over time he extended his walks to about seven miles daily. In recent years he stayed a little closer to home and cut back to about three miles daily. He rarely missed a day of walking regardless of the weather. He most definitely took his role as the unofficial ?Mayor of the Monon? seriously. The exercise was certainly good for his health and most certainly contributed to his longevity, but the people connections he made over the 15 years of walking on the trail tremendously enriched his quality of life. He most definitely considered his Monon friends to be part of his extended family. He clearly cared about them, and he made sure they knew it. So many Monon friends welcomed him into their hearts and their homes.
Bob Lee chose the faithful path in life to walk here on earth. Now he walks with the Lord on the most beautiful trail in Heaven. ?May we all walk or run in his footsteps the rest of our days by saying hello to a stranger, giving big smiles, hugs, handshakes and kisses to friends and family, getting out each day with determination to live life instead of watching it, and sharing his love and faith with others.? quote by HK).
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Bob Lee will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2201 East 106th Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Friends and family are invited to join us for food and fellowship at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Indianapolis Parks Foundation 615 North Alabama, Suite 119 Indpls, IN 46204, www.indyparksfoundation.org or King of Glory Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, Indianapolis. www.leppertmortuary.com
Tributes
"To a true angel. I would run with my mom on the monon. She then passed away from breast cancer at the young age of 52. Robert would always greet me on the monon with a hug and smile. He said he missed my mom. He was a true inspiration to all. I am sure my mom and Robert are walking and talking now. He will truly be missed. "
"To Mr. Lee's family, Thank You for allowing me to care for your father while at the Heart Center. I so enjoyed his quick wit and beautiful smile. My life was truely blessed by his presence. His love of the Lord and his family was and shall always be an inspiration to me. We had some lovely, deep chats. I know your sorrow runs deep.Trust in the Lord and he will lift this heavy burden from your hearts"
"THANKS TO BOB LEE MASONRY FOR PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT TO MY DAD "GENE DAVIDSON" AND PROVIDING A FAMILY TYPE ENVIROMENT TO ALL HIS EMPLOYEES. MY MOTHER "BETTY JEAN" ALWAYS HAD GREAT RESPECT FOR BOB AND MAYE. THEY WE'RE QUALITY PEOPLE W/ LOVE IN THEIR HEARTS FOR THE LORD AND EVERYONE THE MET THRU LIFE."
"To the family of Monon Bob,He brought so much joy to my Monon runs! there was nothing like feeling tired and worn out and looking up to see Bob smiling at you and waiting with a high five. It was rejuvenating and made the run so much better. Let us all learn from him, that a simple smile and courtesy to others can change another person's entire day and outlook. Bob will be missed! This morning I am doing my 1st 20-miler in honor of Bob. I know he's high fiving in heaven."
" I had only recently met Mr. Lee through my Dad, John "Shorty" Miller. What a KIND and HAPPY man. The two of them knew each other from North Salem and both were brick masons. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him and get a small sample of that great smile and his warm hugs. My Dad will miss him!! "
"To Bob Lee and family,My name is Chris Welsh and my wife and I live in the River Heights neighborhood. We did not know Bob and Mayle well but did get to know Bob better the last few years because of his activity on the Monon Trail and our friends, The Anderson Family. I got to know Bob even better the last few days from attending the service and reading about all of the people who were affected by all that he had done during his life. I sure wish I would have known him better. I want the family and his Monon Friends to know that I am in total support of a run/walk dedicated to Bob some time next year and for years to come. I have recently accepted a board position on the the Nora Northside Community Council. I am taking the issue of a the walk/run and/or some type of permanate memorial for Bob on the Monon. If someone who reads this can get me in touch with those working on this I would be willing to help. Rest in peace Bob. You were truly a special person who had a positive effect on many.Chris Welsh"