Bennie M. Lee

Lee, Bennie, 85, of Derby, KS passed away peacefully on Thurs. Feb. 26, 2015. Bennie was born on Oct. 14, 1929 in Baxter Springs, KS the son of Oliver and Mary Lee. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Marita Lee, children, Bennie (Donna) Lee, Jr., James Lee, Mary Williamson, brother, Fred Lee, sisters, Merlyn (Don) Brown, Earlene Realmuto, 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Eugene, Floyd, John and Charles Lee, sister, Luella McCoy. Bennie was an outstanding athlete where he attended high school in Columbus, KS lettering in all sports as well as an outstanding baseball player in the summer playing for the infamous “Baxter Springs Whiz Kids” having Mickey Mantle as a teammate. After a knee injury took Bennie out for a year, he attended Oklahoma NEO in Miami, OK and Wichita University playing football and baseball. Upon graduation he was head football coach at Derby High School for 8 years followed by 4 years as an assistant football coach at Kansas University. He then moved back to Wichita and became involved with aircraft parts distribution with his father in law, Claude Mann at Airtechnics. He later formed his own distribution and rep business, Lee Products, until his retirement in 1991. In retirement he enjoyed pitching horseshoes, walking his dogs, enjoying family activities, as well as Shriner and Jester activities. His contribution and love for his family will be missed. The family respectfully requests a private memorial with no public viewing. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside St., Wichita, KS 67220. To share memories please visit www.mylakeviewfuneralhome.com.