Thomas Lee “Father Lee”, 75 of Indian River passed away on January 20, 2019 in his hometown of Indian River. Lee was born on June 27, 1943 in Detroit, MI the son of James Gordon Lee and Neldabelle Friday. He grew up in Detroit, MI and attended school at Henry Ford High School in Detroit.
On August 31, 1974 he married Constance Kanas at the Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine in Indian River. Lee was a Vietnam Era Naval Veteran serving from October of 1961 to July of 1963 and participated in the Cubin Crisis aboard a naval aircraft carrier. He was a Pre-Flight Naval Engineer.
He was proud to be a low voltage electrician and a member of the IBEW. Lee also co-owned and operated the S&L Dairy Mart in Indian River for 11 years. Lee was a motorcycle enthusiast and a founding member of the Penetrators M/C.
Lee used to ride his Harley around dressed as Santa Claus. He loved his grandchildren, family, and friends. Lee enjoyed partying and spending time with people.
He took great pride in his Lee and Friday family heritage. Lee had a huge heart, great warmth, and offered a positive light in every situation. He was greatly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Lee was a member of the Penetrators M/C, Transfiguration Episcopal Church, FOE and Moose Lodge, as well as a past Boy Scout turned Boy Scout Leader. Lee is survived by his wife Connie Lee, sons Jason Lee and Jonathon Lee, grandchildren Makaya Nicole Vietch, Joseph Thomas Lee, Jessie Cheyenne Barison, and Jonathon Jason “JJ” Lee, siblings Judith (Thomas) Ann Smith and Janie (Dave) Louise Lewis, nephews Jimmy (Jenny) Vinson, Janell (Sean) Coyne, and Micki (Bill) Wegienka. He was preceded in death by his parents and several Penetrator brothers.
Services for Lee will begin Friday, January 25th with visitation being held from 5-8pm at Transfiguration Episcopal Church. A funeral will be held on Saturday, January 26th, at 10:45am, with visitation beginning at 9:30am that morning. A luncheon will follow.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Lee should consider the Disabled American Veterans Organization who assist veterans in leading high-quality lives and also combat homelessness with their Homeless Veterans Initiative program. Lee was also passionate about the Boy Scouts of America, please consider this cause when donating as well. “Walk Softly on the Water”.
Friends and family are welcome to share memorials and offer condolances online at www. stonefuneralhomeinc.com. The family was served by the Lintz Funeral Home.
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