Gale Leon Lee of Conroe, Texas went to be with the Lord on June 27, 2020. He was born in Jones, Oklahoma, April 18, 1933. He attended Edmond High School in Oklahoma and then DeForest Electronics School in Chicago. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. He returned to Oklahoma and earned a degree in Mathematics and Physics from Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma.
In 1952 he married the love of his life, Marlene Marie Rupp. After graduating from college in 1958 they moved to Houston, Texas. For the next 26 years he worked at the Armco Steel plant on the Houston Ship Channel, where he was a supervisor in the Blooming Mill before retiring in 1984. Gale then pursued a career as an insurance agent with Texas Farm Bureau, Financial Guardian Insurance Company, and ISB Insurance Services, Inc.
Gale was a gentle, genuine, and loving soul. He lived life simply and enjoyed the blessings of his life with thankfulness and humility. He loved and cared for his sweetheart, Marlene, for 67 years. He loved and guided his children and grandchildren with gentleness and wisdom. His love for all people overflowed in his work life, in his community, and in service to his church family at Conroe Bible Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, elder, and a greeter. His warm smile, sparkle in his eye, and quick wit were hallmarks to all who knew him.
Gale possessed an innate ability with all things mechanical and structural and a ”can-do” mindset. He bought seven acres in Conroe, Texas in 1971 and a manual about how to build a house. He envisioned a family home on that property and in 1979 his goal was realized when the family moved into the 3600 square foot, two story home he and his sons had built. This has become a beloved homeplace for the family and an enduring legacy to his indomitable yet quiet spirit.
A fan of antique cars, Gale spent his later years restoring a deep red '37 Ford pickup he had bought in 1965. Gale believed there was no better day than one spent on the golf course. He loved gardening and exercised daily. He was always working on a project around the house. He loved music, poetry, and Scripture.
Family gatherings with his kids and grandkids were a highlight of his life. Games, especially cards, are a part of those gatherings and the Lee family fabric. And, of course, his favorite treat was a cherry pie baked by his sweetheart. He had a great sense of humor, a positive outlook, and deep gratitude for the blessings of his life.
Much of Gale’s life was spent in service to his fellow man, helping, giving support, encouraging, and sharing the burdens of others. Whether it was assisting with a construction project, a reassuring conversation and prayer with a friend, or a weekly visit to one in failing health, he was available. He was steadfast, unjudging, and stayed the course even when the task was daunting or the situation seemed hopeless. He gave of himself with an open heart, an open home, and was always willing to share whatever he had. And that included sharing his faith, and always seeking God’s best for everyone he knew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, O.M. Lee and Edna Schemenaur Lee Meredith; brothers Earl Lee, Max Lee, Keith Lee, and sisters Letitia Lee Eldridge Sawyer, and Betty Lee Loman Couch.
He is survived by wife, Marlene Lee; brother Wayne Lee; sons Stan Lee and wife, Christie; Mickey Lee and wife, Machele; Perry Lee and wife, Noelle; Toby Lee and wife, Jennifer; daughter Tracey Lee Parks and fiance’ Brian Rooney; son-in-law Ken Parks; grandchildren are Andrew Lee, Chelsea Lee Derrington and husband Jon; Ambrelle Lee Palmer, Taryn Lee Gonzalez and husband Loyd, Foster Parks, Grayson Parks, Carlin Flores, Grace Lee, and Tristan Lee; great grandchildren are Ridley Parks and baby boy Gonzalez.
Memorial contributions can be made to Conroe Bible Church or Gideons International.
The family would like to thank everyone for all of the meals, cards, calls, prayers, and love shown for us during this time.
