BOB LEE Bob Lee, of Las Vegas, passed away peacefully June 30, 2016, in his daughter, Deborah's, home, surrounded by loving family. He lived 88 years. His final days were spent with his large "famiLee," his loyal Pug, Tina, and listening to "old-school" country music. The youngest of five, Bob was born Dec. 3, 1927, in Amarillo, Texas, to Grover Cleveland Bishop and Pauline Pittman. Bob served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and went on to serve for six years as a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department. He moved to Las Vegas in 1956. His extraordinary casino executive career spanned 47 years, retiring in 2003. Bob loved his wife and his family. He loved riding his Harley, a good cigar, anything chocolate, his country, the Pittsburgh Steelers and camping in Death Valley and in Pine Valley. He was a solid, loyal Texas gentleman and desert cowboy through and through. Bob and Barbara were a timeless example of true love. He loved her immediately and knew she was his "One." Within a few days after they met, she suggested they marry and they spent the rest of their lives deeply happy and hopelessly in love, he was obnoxiously playful. They were married in 1949 and were parted by Barbara's passing in 2009. Bob was a strong presence to all that met him. He was happy and outgoing, animated, optimistic, attentive and kind. He said he would live forever and we know that he will, once Bob Lee has entered your heart, he is woven into it for life. We celebrate the beautiful tapestry that was his life and are thankful to him for sharing with us his unique gifts. His children and grandchildren will pass along his powerful legacy for many generations. He was preceded in death by his wife, of 60 years, Barbara. Bob is survived by his 95-year old sister, Martha; two sons, Robert and John; three daughters, Deborah, Sheri and Laurie; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Bob's celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at Palm Mortuary, 7400 W. Cheyenne Ave.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Jul. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for BOB LEE

Sponsored by Palm Cheyenne Mortuary.

11 Entries

January 16, 2018

I Bob in 1993 while working surveillance at the Tropicana, I had just left the military as a military policeman. Bob taught me quite a bit when he would come up from the casino floor and visit the surveillance department. I always felt he was larger than life, with his witty personality and smile and his great Police, Casino and Military stories. I took a liking to himr and respected him for everything he was. Our working friendship continued when I left the Tropicana and went to the Stratosphere and eventually New Jersey. I think he was consulting then. He and I were sent to the Sands in Atlantic City (late 2003) to do some consulting and spying. We spent one evening at the casino bar swapping stories and me listening to his advice. I will always remember that night as it helped me make a significant career move. I lost touch with Bob after that trip and have often wondered about him. I was sorry to see that he had passed, my condolences to his family and friends.

Dru Durall

October 14, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My husband Jack served with Bob on the LA Police Dept. then they met up in Las Vegas in later years and became good friends. When Bob came to my husbands memorial service to speak he fought back tears. He was a dear friend, loved Barbara dearly and his family and friends. We have lost a giant of a man.

July 20, 2016

Here passed a good man.
A friend and co-worker. You will be missed by many
Rest in Peace.

John Oakes

Dick & Charlene Brewer

July 19, 2016

So sorry to learn that Bob has passed. I worked with him a number of times throughout my casino career, beginning at the Sahara in 1960. Charlene and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Bob's family and friends at this difficult time, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Mandy Morris Hoffman

July 19, 2016

I met Bob when I was 14 years young and his daughter Sheri was one of my best friends. He always seemed so large in life. He was the kind of man who could really intimidate you one minute and then wink at you the next to let you know he was only kidding. He and Barbara were my proof that love at first sight could happen and it is possible to find that one perfect partner in life. He was a strong, great man and although I haven't kept in touch with him over the last several years, he would pop into my head quite often. I will miss him but I am so happy to think that he will see his beautiful wife, that he loved so much, again in another place.

William "Bill" Barry Jr

July 18, 2016

I had the pleasure of working with Bob at the Tropicana back in the good old casino days & I am forever grateful that I did. He truely was a gentleman & was a wonderful example of how a "Boss" should be. I always enjoyed his stories, but most of all his wonderful sense of humor. Bob, is now smiling in heaven above & all that were fortunate enough to meet him will keep the memories close to our hearts!

Paul Nutter

July 18, 2016

Reminded me of John Wayne, and a man that stood taller then most. He had a daughter that I really fell in love with. Miss her and the whole family. God Bless and may the Lord comfort all your hearts.

Gina Morgan

July 18, 2016

My condolences to all. May God give you strength thru this difficult time.

Bonnie Helms

July 17, 2016

Bob had such a kind heart and contagious smile. He invested in and raised an amazing daughter, Laurie, that is my best fiend and has blessed my life and countless others! So well done, Dad and Mom, I applaud you for creating such a loving and inspiring legacy!!

Bill Page

July 17, 2016

Bob Lee was the most stand-up, straight-up and honest casino executive I ever worked with. I met Bob at the Tropicana in Vegas and will never forget his cowboy boots and his knowledge of the casino business. Always had an interesting and lively conversation with Bob.
Rest in Peace Cowboy.

Bill

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results