Ralph E. Lee, age 93, of Humboldt, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, at Heritage Healthcare in Chanute. Ralph was born Oct. 21, 1931, in Riley County, to Rulie C. and Elsie (Noland) Lee.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean Conflict on the USS Rockbridge. His final rank was Gunners Mate Petty Officer Second Class. After serving, he was a member of the VFW and American Legion.
Ralph married Margie Jackson on Aug. 15, 1959, at First Christian Church, Chanute.
He was a hard worker his entire life working for Continental Baking Company (Wonder Bread/Hostess Cake) for 31.5 years as a route driver and later sales manager.
His career moved him from Humboldt to Columbia, Mo., Memphis, Tenn., Kansas City, Mo., and finally back to Humboldt, where he retired. Ralph later drove a school bus for Humboldt USD 258 from 1988 to 2001. After retiring, he was busy helping friends and neighbors with handyman tasks.
Ralph was an avid woodworker in his retirement, always making Christmas gifts for his children, grandchildren, and students on his bus route. Margie would find a wood decoration at a craft fair and he would always say, “Well, I can make that.” She would respond by buying one for him to use as a pattern. Ralph was also one of the founding members of the Humboldt Golf Association and spent many years playing at the Humboldt Golf Course with his friends and later teaching his grandsons to play.
Ralph was a 45-year member of First Christian Church in Humboldt, serving as elder, deacon, and service leader. Ralph loved to sing, whether it be at church, the nursing home, or teaching his grandsons songs.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Floyd Ramsey; and brothers, Zephry Lee and R.C. Lee.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Margie, of the home; sons, Ralph E. Lee, Jr. “Buddy” (Sue), Mount Vernon, Missouri, Joe (Marsha) Lee, Howard; daughters, Linda Jimmerson, McAlester, Okla., LuAnn (Donald) Hauser, Humboldt, Brenda Lee (Clark) Pond, Cape Fair, Mo.; 14 grandchildren, A.J. (Camina) Lee, Madison (Sharlia) Bledsoe, Julia (Michael) Martin, Codie Schlotterbeck, Kayla Schemm-Lee, Jackson Lee, Todd Hauser, Bret Hauser, Robb (Haley) Hauser, Matthew Pond, Brittney (Josh) Smith, Sam (Jessica) Pond, Amber Paoli, Wendy Clark; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15, in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Iola. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Humboldt. Burial with military honors will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Humboldt.
Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church (Humboldt) or Humboldt Golf Association, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 U.S. 54, Iola.
Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
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