Zephry Lewis Lee

Zephry Lewis Lee, age 84, passed away at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center on Jan. 9, 2015. Zephry was born on April 9, 1930 in Manhattan, KS; the son of Rulie C. and Elsie Sara (Noland) Lee. Zephry grew up in Manhattan, KS and graduated from Manhattan High School in 1948. After graduation Zephry entered the US Navy where he served in the Korean War Conflict and on the USS Rochester; he served until Sept. of 1952. Soon after his time in the service in 1952, Zephry met and married Bertha Catherine (Temaat); the couple was blessed with four children: Katherine, David, Daniel and Vickie; later the couple divorced. On July 17, 1982, Zephry and Elinor (Patton) Miller Lee were united in marriage, with this union Zephry gained an additional daughter, Linda. The family made their home in Chanute, KS. Elinor preceded Zephry in death on April 9, 1995 A jack-of-all-trades Zephry had many jobs, he was a self-taught carpenter, owned several restaurants and quick-shops and most recently worked for Tri-Valley Development Center until his retirement in 1998. He was a lifetime member of the local VFW and a Korean War Veteran. Zephry Lewis Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his spouse Elinor and a brother: R.C. Lee Jr. He is survived by his children: Katherine Merrill and husband Melvin of Davis, OK; David Lee and wife Lometa of Arapaho, OK; Linda Johnson and husband David of Grove, OK, Daniel “Danny” Lee of Davis, OK; and Vickie Houser and husband David of Chanute, KS. Zephry is also survived by his brother: Ralph E. Lee and wife Margie of Humboldt, KS; his grandchildren: Toby Lee, Amberlie Snider, Bryan Lee, Krissi Heck, and Derrick and Kiesha Houser; great-grandchildren: Jordyn and Conner Snider, Jeffery Cornett, and Allie and Sophie Heck as well as one great-great-grandchild: Kimber Cornett. In addition, he is survived by a host of nieces and nephews as well as many other relatives and friends. Cremation is planned; graveside memorial services with military honors will be held Friday, Feb. 6th, 2015 at 2:00PM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, KS. No formal visitation is planned, the family suggests memorials be made to the Tri-Valley Development Center and may be sent in care of Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland Chanute, KS 66720. Online condolences may be left at www. countrysidefh.com.

Zephry Lewis Lee

April 9, 1930 - January 9, 2015