R. Lee Wakefield

R. Lee Wakefield, 76, of Walker Township, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by family at his residence. He had been in declining health. Born December 24, 1948 in Mill Creek, he was the only child of the late James Robert Wakefield and Grace L. (Witters) Wakefield. He was united in marriage to the former Barbara R. Snyder on May 29, 1971, at the Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, McConnellstown, by the Reverend Edward Gobrecht. His wife of 54 years survives at their residence.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Melissa J. (Wakefield) Grubb and husband, Marty, of Hesston, and Michael L. Wakefield and wife, Carisa, of Dalmatia; and four grandchildren, Devin Grubb, Halee Grubb, Jaycee Zak and Leevi Wakefield. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Lee was a member of Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ in McConnellstown. He was also a proud member of Lucky 7 Camp, located in Rothrock State Forest, Huntingdon County, where he enjoyed spending time and building lasting friendships.

He attended Huntingdon public schools and was a 1967 graduate of Huntingdon Area High School.

Lee dedicated over 40 years of service to both the former Strickler's Dairy and its successor, Strickler's Ice, Bottled Water & Cold Beer in Huntingdon. He began his career as a delivery driver and retired as the plant manager. Even after retiring, he continued working part-time during the summer months, because he enjoyed being around such great people.

Wakie enjoyed a wide variety of interests throughout his life. As a child, he developed a love for fishing and grew up hunting. He was an active member of a dart league and had a strong passion for racing-especially with his Triumph motorcycle. He also took great pleasure in stock car racing and was a devoted fan of NASCAR, frequently attending races in Florida and Tennessee. His love for racing extended to dirt track events, and he especially enjoyed spending time at Hesston Speedway and Port Royal, cheering on the action and soaking in the excitement of the sport.

Lee cherished traveling with his wife, Barb-especially wintering in Florida and vacationing in Aruba and Cancun with his sister-in-law Connie and her husband Dave, and later with Connie's sons. One memorable trip was to the Bahamas to visit his sister-in-law Judy Burke and her husband Dave. He also loved spending time at the beach with his family, creating lasting memories during their seaside vacations. One of Lee's favorite pastimes was simply sitting on the porch with his brother-in-law and wife, Gib and Dotty Snyder, who were also his neighbors. They often camped together and shared many good times.

Above all, Lee loved supporting his grandchildren in their activities-whether it was wrestling, go-kart or dirt track racing, softball, gymnastics, basketball, or soccer. He took great joy in being part of their lives.

Friends will be received from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, 12006 Station Rd., McConnellstown. A celebration of Wakie's life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, October 17th, at the church, with the Reverend M. Suzanne Morelli officiating. Interment will be in Huntingdon Memorial Gardens, Walker Township, Huntingdon.

Memorial contributions in remembrance of R. Lee Wakefield may be made to the Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 117, McConnellstown, PA 16660 or to UPMC Family Hospice, 20 Sheraton Dr., Altoona, PA 16601.

To sign an online guest book and express condolences, visit www.johnbbrownfuneralhome.com.