Thomas G. Lee

Thomas G. Lee
Age 78, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010 at his home with his family at his side. He was born to parents Ralph and Lurene Lee in Freemont, Ohio on Feb. 14, 1932. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Brian, and his half brother Robert. Tom loved sports and played football, basketball and ran track for the 'Freemont Little Giants'. Following High School he enrolled at Ohio University where he played football for the 'Bobcats'. He joined a social fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. He was a engineering major and graduated in Mechanical engineering with an industrial engineering option in 1955. He became a member of Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society, and the Society of Automotive Engineers. He enrolled in the Air Force R.O.T.C. Program and following graduation entered flight school in the United States Air Force. He flew jets and became a pilot for the air weather service at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged in 1959 and served in the reserves until 1966. He was employed by General Tire and Rubber Company as a Senior Manager in the Field Engineering and Marketing for 39 years. Following his retirement he worked for Smithers Scientific Services, Inc. as a consultant project manager in tire engineering for 11 years.
Surviving is his devoted wife, Betty (King) Lee, his high school sweetheart, who he married June 12, 1953; his daughters, Melissa (Kim) Hester and Lydia (John) Howenstine; six precious grandchildren, Kaitlin and Hayley Hester, Cassie and Cory Daut, and Lexi and Jolee Howenstine, sister; Pauline Allen, sister-in-law; Betty L. Lee, an Uncle Paul and wife Alma Lee, and many caring nieces, nephews and cousins and his most faithful companion and cherished dachshund Gerta. His love and devotion was to his family. They were his heart and soul and he treasured every moment he could spend with them. He loved all sports and rarely missed a grandchild's sporting event. His voice could be heard from early morning until day's end cheering on his grandchildren on game day and practices. He lived for these days spent with his grandchildren. Tom was extremely interested in world news and kept up to date daily. He attended the Celebrity Luncheon Club which benefited the Boys and Girls Clubs of North East Ohio. As a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club, he looked forward to spending each Monday enjoying sports figure speakers with many of his friends. He was a Board Member of the General Tire Retirees Club and enjoyed reminiscing the years and events with old friends each month, plus the golfing days they spent together for many years. He will long be remembered by many friends, co-workers and acquaintances for being a friend to all. A man who enjoyed life to its fullest and for his laugh that everyone recognized and made them smile. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family, his precious grandchildren who loved him so deeply and his many friends. They all held a very special place in his heart.
Honoring his wishes he will be cremated. There will be no calling hours. A private burial service will be held for the family at a later date. Pastor Bryan George of The Church of the Lakes will be presiding. A very special thank you to his two daughters, Lydia Howenstine and Melissa Hester, who endlessly and compassionately cared for him filling his days with love the last two months of his life. A special word of gratitude to friends and neighbors who did so much to make our life easier. Carl and Lois Belcheff, Rob, JoAnn and Jen Meister, Ron and Marcia Howenstine, and the Larry Young family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: Hospice of Summa, 444 N. Main St. P.O. Box 2090, Akron, OH 44310, Stark County Humane Society or a charity of their choice. Condolences may be offered at www.karlofh.com .
(Karlo-Feucht Funeral Home, 330-494-9644)