Eddie L. Lee, 79, of rural Kimmell, died at 9:29 a.m. Thursday, May 6, 2021, at Parkview Randallia, Fort Wayne, where he was admitted a week earlier.

He was born October 30, 1941, in Allen County, Indiana, a son of the late Dallas O. and Lois V. (Brown) Lee. He grew up on a farm south of Pierceton and graduated from Pierceton High School in 1959.

On June 16, 1959, he entered the U.S. Navy. Becoming an airplane electrician, he served until November 29, 1962, when he transferred to Navy reserves. He was honorably discharged on June 15, 1965.

On January 4, 1965, he married Mary Lou Snyder. They made their home in South Whitley then Smalley Lake. In 1993, they moved to Columbia City and in 2008 back to Smalley Lake.

A career-long truck driver, Eddie drove for Redman Homes and Patriot Homes.

Retiring in his early 50s, Eddie enjoyed traveling throughout the 48 states in his motorhome, with his favorite destination being South Dakota. He also maintained a hobby farm at Smalley Lake. He liked to tinker with his 1940 Studebaker and 1941 Ford pick-up truck.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou; sons, Steven (Sherry) Lee of Albion, Timothy A. (Teresa) Lee of Muncie and Brian D. (Jill) Lee of Albion; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a sister, Judy Kreider of Columbia City; and many nieces and nephews.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by brothers Galen W. and Phillip L. Lee and a granddaughter, Brianna Lee.

The funeral service is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Thorn Cemetery. Visitation is 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Eddie's honor are to Parkview Home Health and Hospice.