John William Lee's Obituary
John William Lee, age 81, passed away early Friday morning, May 13, 2011 in Grand Rapids, MI following a short illness. He was born in Saginaw, MI on March 17, 1930 to William and Mildred (Hileman) Lee. John was a 1948 graduate of Saginaw Arthur Hill High School where he was a standout swimmer, receiving All-State honors. John went on to the University of Michigan where he was a member of the U of M Swim Team. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Michigan, John was drafted into the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. Following his discharge from the service, John returned to his beloved University of Michigan and earned his Master’s Degree in American History. On March 3, 1953 he married the former Yvonne E. “Perky” Carter in N. Muskegon. John taught school in the Muskegon Public School System for a brief period before going to work at S.D. Warren. He retired at the age of 59 from Bofor’s Lakeway Chemical where he was director of purchasing. John was a member of the American Legion, the V.F.W., was an avid Bridge player, and was recently inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame. He is survived by: his wife of 58 years, Perky; three children, William J. (Jeri) Lee, D.D.S. of Traverse City, Rebecca I. (Randy) Davis of Twin Lake and Bruce C. (Jennifer) Lee, D.D.S. of Traverse City; five grandchildren, Brooks Sherman, John Lee, Cassandra Lee, Carter Lee and Jessica Lee; brother, Herbert (Marlene) Lee of Plantation, FL; and two sisters, Ann Schwartz of Big Rapids and Jane Jones of Clearwater, FL.
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