William R. “Bill” Lee, 71, Iola, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City.
Bill was born Nov. 29, 1941, in Tulsa, Okla., the son of William and Mildred (Moon) Lee. He grew up in Oklahoma City. After graduating from Oklahoma State University he moved to Michigan, where he worked for General Motors Chevrolet Division.
On May 22, 1965, Bill married Karen Sydenham. They made their home in Michigan and Ohio before moving to Iola in 1976. He worked for Berg Manufacturing until 1980, when he partnered in the ownership and development of Tramec. Bill retired in 2011.
He served as a drill sergeant in the Army Reserves. He was a member of Iola Masonic Lodge and Mirza Temple, Iola Elks Lodge, and Allen County Country Club, where he was an avid golfer.
He is survived by his wife, Karen L. Lee; two sons, Brian and wife Jenelle, Joplin, and Barry, Chicago; a daughter, Tracy Lee, Lawrence, and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carol.
Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation may be left at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel, Iola. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.
Bill Lee
