Richard Dale Lee Sr.

Please join us in the celebration of life for Richard Dale Lee Sr. born August 10, 1930 at which time he continued to live a full and adventurous life until his passing on August 20, 2015, surrounded by his family. A time for celebration with all his friends and family will be held on Wednesday, August 26th from 5-8 p.m. at the American Legion Capitol Post #1, 3800 Michigan, Topeka, Kansas 66609. Cross Streets: Near the intersection of SE Michigan Ave and SE 37th. A private military service will be held for family and close friends on Thursday, August 27th at 2:00 pm in the Topeka Cemetery, 1601 S. E. 10th Ave. Topeka, Kansas.

Dick Lee (as everyone knew him) was born a 3lb runt in the back seat of a car in a gas station in Netawaka, Kansas to parents of Lena McMillon and Jack Lee who preceded him in death. Dick attended grade school in Netawaka, Kansas and graduated high school in Overbrook, Kansas.

Dick married his soulmate, Yvonne Isabell Needham in December 19951. Out of love and of this marriage, six children were born. Three sons, Donnie D. Lee who passed at infancy; Richard Dale (Cindy) Lee II; and Dennis Dwayne Lee both of Carbondale, Kansas; and 3 daughters, Jacquelyn G. Alford /Lee of Topeka, Kansas; Jan (Pat) Stallbaumer of Mission, Kansas; and Lennae Michelle Bush who proceeded him in death. Dick has 18 grandchildren, all of whom thought he walked on water, along with 20 great grandchildren. Of his 18 grandchildren, one grand-daughter, Amanda Bush, also preceded him in death.

To help protect his country, Dick eagerly entered the Army in 1952. Dick excelled in the Army and developed the skills necessary to become a brave and zealous paratrooper until the time of his proud and honorable discharge in 1954. Dick served another six years in the Army reserves.

Dick Lee owned his own rig driving for North American Van Lines for over 30 years. He was honored by North American Van Lines for clocking over 1 million safety miles during his career with them. He was known up and down the highways by his trucking CB name as "Netawaka Sweet Meat." His travels as a truck driver expanded his vast circle of friends that stretched across the United States. Dick spent a lot of time from Kansas to California and back. It didn't matter if it was a onetime encounter or a lasting friendship. Everywhere Dick traveled, he brightened a path leaving behind fond memories. One of his children said it best…. "Any time you bring back a memory of him, it will almost always contain a humorous smile or words of wisdom." Dick helped countless people in his own silent way, never asking for anything in return except for their friendship. Perhaps because of his many years of travel or just part of his character, he did not like clutter! He loved simplicity and had no desire to accumulate "stuff" as he would put it. That's another characteristic quality his family loved about him.

After many years of travel, Dick decided to plant his feet and spend more time with family. At that time, he started Lee's Siding, a successful residential construction company that serviced Topeka and the surrounding areas. He continued touching more lives as he utilized his workmanship throughout Topeka until he retired.

Dick felt like it was his turn to kick back and relax by enjoying family and, as he put it in his humorous way, "chasing the blue hairs" around his senior apartment complex. Many times you could find Dick having breakfast with old friends in the restaurant at Billards Airport in Oakland. As old friends gathered, they shared old memories, told funny jokes, exaggerated and elaborated on lives experiences as old friends do. It was Dick's sense of humor, his charisma, his work ethics, and his charm with the ladies, his compassion for people, and his extreme zest for life that touched so many.

The family would like to thank Grace Hospice for their excellent and efficient care. Without them, Dick could not have found his way. They were instrumental in his plight home. The family suggests memorial contributions be made in care of Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th, Suite 100, Topeka, Kansas 66614.