Lieutenant Colonel Richard "Dick" Lee, 79, passed away peacefully at Amery Regional Medical Center on the morning of October 24, 2015.
Dick was born on May 7, 1936 in Columbia City, IN to Phyllis and Ernest Lee. After completing high school, Dick was selected to attend the newly formed United States Air Force Academy, graduating as part of the academy's first class in 1959. This marked the beginning of a 26-year career in the USAF as a fighter pilot, serving through the Vietnam War and flying over 200 missions.
After retiring to Amery in the early 90's, he decided to change gears and pursue his love of art and painting. This culminated with the decision of Dick and his wife Sharon to open their own art destination, the Mad Hatter Fine Art Studio, in Amery. Dick was also a member of ArtZ, a local artist collective where he both worked and displayed his own art.
Dick is survived by his wife, Sharon Lee; sons Michael Eric Lee of St. Paul, MN and Lael Charles Lee of Amery; son Eric Lee and daughter Eve Marie (Dave) Boot, both of Kalamazoo, MI; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his mother, Phyllis Nadine Lamkin; his stepfather, Charles Lamkin; biological father; Ernest Lee; and son, Vincent Lee.
At Dick's request, no public services will be held. The family is grateful for condolences, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Arnell Humane Society of Amery.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Williamson~White Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 222 Harriman Avenue North, Amery, WI 54001.