Lee Valentine

Lee Allen Valentine passed away on November 11, 2025 at Bruce McCandless Veterans Community Living Center in Florence, CO. He began his life January 5, 1934 in Benson, Minnesota; born to Clarence W. and Rose (Friedlein) Valentine.

Lee grew up on a farm just outside of Benson. In 1950, he joined the State National Guard which was Federalized in 1951 at which time he entered active military duty. He was sent to Camp Rucker in Alabama where he met and married Vera B. (Hester) Valentine in March 1952.

In August 1953, he was sent to Korea. Assignments to Ft Leonard Wood, MO (1955); Germany (1958); Ft Riley, KS (1962); Schofield Barracks, HI (1964); Duluth, MN (1967); Vietnam (1968); Ft Carson, CO (1969) followed. In June 1973, Lee retired from the military as a Master Sergeant with 23 years of service.

After retiring, he decided to settle in Cañon City. In the ensuing years he owned and managed an egg farm, worked as a security guard and as a bus driver for Fremont school district for more than 18 years. After Vera's passing in 2013, Lee met Martha (Woodson) Valentine at the Golden Age Center in 2014. They were married in September of that year.

Lee's greatest recreational pursuits included hunting, fishing, camping and teaching his children and grandchildren how to perfect their skills. Lee Valentine was "all about" the family.

Lee is survived by his daughters, Donna (John) Hutchinson, Gwenna (Bob) Basham, Selena (Paul) Heckler, Vera (Roger) Gillespie; and son, Gary (Renee) Valentine; 30 grandchildren (incl step-grands) and numerous great and great-great grandchildren and many immediate extended family. Additionally, there are extended children which include Bei J Smith, Yolanda (A.D.) Hodges, Candelario (Tracy) Woodson, Rosalie (Richard Counce) Cammel, Art (Bonnie Lee) Woodson, Barbara Ann (David) Grondahl, Charlotte (Mike) Gremmer, Eunice (Sam) Sibert, and Michelle (Daniel) Vaughn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera (Hester) Valentine and his wife, Martha (Woodson) Valentine; daughter, Kittie S. Koseck; two grandsons, one great-granddaughter, one great grandson, siblings, Raymond "Pete" Valentine, Carolyn "Carrie" Cain, Ruby Higdon, Harvey Valentine, H. Joyce Smith, and Gayle Almquist.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 801 Sheridan Ave, Cañon City, CO. Entombment with full military honors will be held at Mountain Vale Memorial Park. Immediately following, a reception will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.holtfamilyfuneralhomes.com. Floral or card expressions of condolence may be sent to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church or Valentine c/o Gwenna Basham, 1880 Spring St Cañon City, CO 81212.

Streaming may be available. Please join the FB group "L's & V's Fam Crew" for updates.