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Lee Statom Obituary
December 4, 1925 - February 18, 2023
Lee Bingham Statom passed away peacefully on February 18 at the age of 97 in his Arroyo Grande home. He was deeply loved by his family and many members of the community.
Lee was raised in Alta Loma, California on his parents' small avocado ranch. After graduating high school he enlisted in the Navy and proudly served during WW2 on the destroyer Cony.
Thanks to the GI Bill, Lee continued his education at UCSB graduating with a degree in music. He was a jazz aficionado with a beatnik bent and fell for his more classically trained classmate Else Jensen. His natural charm won her over and they were married in her hometown of Solvang at Old Mission Santa Ines in 1952. The newlyweds moved to the South County where Lee started his career at Oceano Elementary as a music teacher. During summer breaks, he earned his Master's degree in music at Claremont Graduate School. Lee continued teaching music for 33 years in the Lucia Mar School District-primarily at Orchard and Paulding Middle Schools. After retiring he led the Arroyo Grande High School jazz band until 1991.
Lee influenced thousands of students, many of whom tell tales of his unique and passionate teaching style. In addition, he played in many local bands such as the No Deadwood Band and loved his trips to Europe performing with Cuesta College jazz groups. Lee also enjoyed accompanying actress Jane Russell at the Raddison in Santa Maria. He kept playing until the age of 94 when Covid shut down his Madonna Inn gig with the Rose Garden Band.
Lee was a devoted Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Patrick's Church in Arroyo Grande where he served as music leader, lector, and Eucharistic minister.
Lee is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Else, as well as his five children [Kevin (Marilee), Melanie (Jim Conroy), Stephanie, Brendan, Miles], five grandchildren (Alex, Nick, Joe, Eleyce, Augustus) and four great-grandchildren (Paul, Louie, Anders, Finn). Lee will be greatly missed but will live on in the many lives he touched and inspired.
Services for Lee include a Rosary/Vigil at 3:00 on Sunday, March 5 at Marshall-Spoo Funeral Chapel, as well as a funeral Mass and reception at St. Patrick's Church on Monday, March 6 at 11:00. A graveside burial service at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery will take place on Tuesday, March 7 at 10:00.
Donations in Lee's name may be made to St. Patrick's Church or any local charity. Condolences can be sent through the Marshall-Spoo Funeral Chapel website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lee Statom
Sponsored by Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.
Carol Bowers
April 26, 2023
I have such fond memories of Lee. He was so exuberant and lively! I remember going to their house in Arroyo Grande to visit with Mom & Dad (Bunny & Don) when I was a kid and bunking with all their kids. Really fun times! We asked Lee to play the piano at Mom & Dad's 50th wedding anniversary party, thinking he would play some pieces, but no, he just "tickled the ivories" while we all socialized. It was wonderful! Really a great guy! I'm sure he is very missed by all.
Greg Sarkisian
March 10, 2023
Dear Kevin,
I just learned of the passing of your dad and wanted to offer my sincere condolences. I have fond memory of our days as math majors at Cal Poly and shared times as colleagues in the teachers profession. I always respected and admired you. Obviously that comes from having great parents so the loss of such a fine man is especially hard. I think it was pretty cool for me teach where you were once a student. It gave us a richer connection.
My prayers will be offered for you and your family.
Greg Sarkisian
Warren Balfour
March 6, 2023
We have lost a Giant! We will surely miss this wonderful musician and music educator. Always appreciated, respected and admired the contributions Lee and his family made to the music program at Cuesta College. His influence with young musicians was pervasive along with his outstanding musicianship Lee had a wonderful sense of humor. We will all miss him greatly ! So glad I got a chance to work with him and benefit from his wonderful sons.
Keith E. Wolfe
March 4, 2023
When Mr. Statom was the band director at Oceano Elementary I was a member of the band playing the flute. I graduated from 8th grade in 1954. Mr. Statom was most conscientious with wanting the best from the band members. Playing On Wisconsin the Notre Dame theme and Poets & Peasants bring back fond memories from that time. Now I know much more of just what a wonder man he was.
Blair Smith
March 3, 2023
Mr. Statom was our Jazz Band teacher at AGHS. My friends and I had the pleasure of being the last class taught in 1991. Mr. Statom was a great mentor and inspired all of us to be better musicians and people. God Speed Mr. Statom.
-Blair Smith
Student
Lynda Tymchek
March 2, 2023
Lynda Tymchek
March 2, 2023
Lynda Tymchek
March 2, 2023
Photo is from the last time I was lucky enough to spend a little time with Mr Statom. I believe it was his 90th birthday party at Madonna Inn. He taught me so much more than music and singing. He taught me what being a caring and generous person is all about. I treasure all the moments I had with him from singing with Paulding 7th & 8th grade Jazz Band to him accompanying me as I sang to my groom at my wedding! Precious memories of a true gem of a human! Rest In Peace, friend
Paula Huston
March 2, 2023
Lee never failed to greet me at St. Pat's on Sunday mornings. And he didn't hold back when I served as a lector but failed to get close enough to the mic! Both of us truly loved him. God keep him!
Jenny Shaheen
March 2, 2023
Mr. Statom was one-of-a-kind. His legacy will be remembered and cherished by generations of people whose lives he touched. Thanks for the music, the grin and the passion for the art. You will surely be missed.
Nancy Greer Hall
March 1, 2023
Mr.Statom eas an outstanding teacher and person. I went to Orchard Avenue, I was not a student of his but loved listening to his jazz band. He was however, a teacher of my brothers, Terry and David Greer and friends of my sister, Linda Greer Key, he actually sat with me at her funeral and we had a nice chat. God bless you Mr.Statom and your family. NancyGreerHall
Fawn DeMurl Pender
February 28, 2023
Mr. Statom was my 8th grade choir teacher at Orchard Avenue. He always made learning and performing fun. I know he will be deeply missed by his family and the musical community.
Jack Pierce
February 27, 2023
Lee, you were always the coolest guy on the gig. It was a pleasure to know you & to perform with you. Goodbye good friend.
Matthew Barclay
February 26, 2023
A great man with a warm heart, infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor. Condolences to the Statom family and love to fellow Jazz musicians Brandon and Miles with whom I played.
Tom and Patti Lynn
February 26, 2023
Lee was a role model, musician friend and part of our music community. We were honored to know him and God Bless You as you remember all the fun times together!
Eric Stever
February 24, 2023
My musical inspiration, life mentor and teacher. I will miss you. My condolences to the Statom family.
Jeff Foote
February 23, 2023
Loved this man. My junior high (1968-9) band teacher. Passionate, inspiring, very cool. He touched my life and many others
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