John W. Lee

06/01/1937 - 03/13/2011

LEE, John W.

After a valiant battle with cancer, retired Air Force colonel John W. Lee died peacefully in the company of his wife and children at Holy Family Hospital on March 13, 2011. John was born on June 1, 1937, in Austin, Texas, the son of John and Leta Faye (Ford) Lee. He married Linda Hargitt on June 3, 1960, in Austin, Texas. A pilot and a career military man, John's service saw him span the globe, to include two tours of duty in Viet Nam. John received numerous awards during his military service, such as the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Meritorious Service Medal. John's lifelong commitment to learning led him to obtain a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas, a Master of Science in Education degree from
Troy State University, and a Master of Arts degree from Eastern Washington University. He later taught English grammar at Kinman Business University, volunteered for the Friends of the Library at EWU and edited their newsletter, and co-wrote and edited technical publications. John was an accomplished man whose life centered on family and fellowship. He strove for excellence in thought, duty, and deed. He could fix just about anything, and he was often called upon for his advice. Survivors are his wife, Linda; daughter Terry of Seattle, Wash; daughter Vicki and her husband Mike of Fountain Hills, Ariz; daughter Laura of Spokane, Wash; son Christopher of Seattle, Wash; daughter Nicole and her husband Kelly of Spokane, Wash; five grandchildren, Kristin, Keegan, Kelsey, Cailee, and Kourtney; and sister, Pat of Midway, Tex. "John, Dad, Poppa, Uncle Johnny, Colonel Lee-we miss you more than words can say. But we'll see you on the other side." A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at Heritage Funeral Home from 10am to 5 pm. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 18, 2011, at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of Spokane, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA, 99210.