John Wood Lee MD

John Wood Lee, MD, 92, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. John was born to Chinese immigrant parents, Gim Yen Lee and William H. Lee on February 11, 1931 in West Lafayette, Indiana. His father was the proprietor of the Canton Café in Lafayette, IN which later went defunct during the depression. He then established a laundry business in Indianapolis where John and his four siblings grew up.

Throughout his life, John was an excellent student and athlete. His graduation in three years from Manual Training High School as salutatorian in 1948 was one of the first of his academic merits. He then graduated from Indiana University with an AB in Anatomy and Physiology (again in three years), earning membership in Phi Beta Kappa. In 1955 he graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine where he was again salutatorian and became a member of Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honorary society.

After medical school graduation he interned at Philadelphia General Hospital and then entered private practice in Peru, Indiana until he was drafted in the Navy. He married Pat Lea Shrode on September 14, 1957 in Indianapolis. John served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps as Lieutenant-Commander in the field with the Marine Corps. After his time in service, he continued his medical training with a fellowship in orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. John remained at the Mayo Clinic as a full staff member and holding a teaching position. In 1964, John moved to Fort Wayne and became a respected physician founding OrthoNorthEast (ONE) and endearing himself to many patients, their families, nurses, medical staff and fellow physicians over the years. After 34 years in private practice, he retired in 1998. In retirement, John was able to pursue his varied other interests and talents including golf, exercise, travelling, painting and particularly spending time with his family and beloved dog, JJ.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pat Lee; his children, Dr. Steven Lee (Ramona), Dr. Brian Lee (Ainsley), Dr. Michael Lee (Susan), Mary Ellen Elizondo (James), and Dr. Cara Beth Lee (Theo); fourteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and brother, Dr. Paul R. Lee.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Dr. William W. Lee, Mary Wallace and Louise Yager.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am Saturday November 25, 2023 at First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main Street Fort Wayne, IN with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Friday November 24, 2023 at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home 8325 Covington Road Fort Wayne, IN. Burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Wayne Street United Methodist Church or Eleos Hospice Care 4432 Ardmore Ave. Unit B. Fort Wayne, IN 46809. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mcccombandsons.com