Lee Philip Ebner

Lee Philip Ebner, 94, of Louisville, died Monday, January 20, 2014 at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital surrounded by family and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Wanda Rhea (Jenkins); parents, Florance Bryant and John Ebner; brother, Emanuel Ebner; sister-in-law, Ruth Ebner; brother, Russell Gambrel and sister-in-law, Verna Gambrel; and step-son, Vernon Snyder.

Survivors include a sister, Billie Ruth Kelly, Louisville; step-daughter, Dian (Nikki) Kutansky; grandson, Nikola; and great-grandson, Tyler of Munster, IN; daughter-in-law, Wanda Snyder; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Special remembrance and gratitude to his loving caregivers these past years, niece Phyllis Alfano and Wanda Snyder. Lee was born in Pineville, KY, May 22, 1919. He attended Asheville Farm School, now Warren Wilson College. He enlisted in the US Navy September 1940 and was stationed on the West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Following his discharge in 1946, he attended Louisville Art Center and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. Upon completing his course of studies, he returned to Louisville and landed his dream job as a staff artist for The Courier-Journal and Louisville Times retiring after 32 years.

Lee taught cartooning for eight years at Bellarmine College and was always available to give cartooning demonstrations or interviews about Pearl Harbor to students at Louisville area high schools. In retirement, he continued his illustrations, photography and correspondence with classmates, co-workers, shipmates, relatives and friends. He was a past trustee of The Little Loomhouse and was involved in many civic organizations. Lee was a longtime member of Walnut Street Baptist Church. He will be greatly missed by those with whom he engaged throughout his life. May he enjoy the peace that passes all understanding.

Funeral services will be held at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400Bardstown Road on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 2 p.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Warren Wilson Scholarship Fund, PO Box 9000, Asheville, NC 28815-9000 or The Little Loomhouse, PO Box 9124, Louisville, KY 40209.