Donald Lee Obituary
Went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 25, 2025 at the age of 79. Born in Columbus, Ohio on January 2, 1946 to Gerald and Thelma (Blayney) Lee. Donald grew up in the University View neighborhood and graduated from North High School in 1964. He began his fire fighter career as a volunteer and worked for Clinton Township before he began his tenure on the Columbus Fire Department. He was a firefighter, paramedic, Heartmobile pioneer, arson investigator, 911 operator, as well as a lieutenant during his service. He retired at the age of 48 in 1994. He played many years of golf, drove school buses for Columbus Public as well as Upper Arlington, and found a way to repair things when they were broken. Donald enjoyed being with family and friends. He loved to camp, travel (especially driving his Roadtrek to Alaska and fishing in Canada) and help others with his skills and abilities. He was an active member of Dwell Community Church where he was baptized, shared his talents in the Helping Hands and Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child ministries, enjoyed learning, and flourished as a believer in Jesus Christ.
Donald is lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Linda (Krespach) Lee; Daughter-in-law Kathy Knoop; Daughters Christi Golden and Nikki (Brian) McLaughlin; Grandchildren Ashley (Tyler) Jones; Danielle (Wes Kilstrom) Golden, Taylor Lee, Beth (Isaiah) Peterson, Zach McLaughlin and Noah McLaughlin; Three great grandchildren; Brothers Sid (Karen) Lee, Charlie (Rosemary) Lee, Dennis Lee and sister Debbie (Chuck) Priest; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Pam Lee and son Todd Lee (Kathy Knoop).
A funeral service will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at Newcomer Northeast Chapel, 3047 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43231. Followed by a graveside service at Blendon Central Cemetery, 6330 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3047 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43231
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