Lee was born on March 2, 1927 to Rice and Mary Phelps. His parents died when he was a toddler, and he was sent to live with his uncle Cecil and Dorothy Phelps. Cecil was a railroad station master in Dublin, Temple and Ft. Worth, so travelling the rail system was in his blood. When Lee was young, he played clarinet in the high school band from 6th grade – always 1st chair. He graduated from Temple High School in 1945 as a member of MENSA, and went into the Navy for 4 years before heading off to the University of Texas to study engineering. He worked at USPS while at UT and was a witness to the tower shooting.
As an innovative early computer engineer, he was proud of his work leading the Texas Railroad Commission. But his most proud and enjoyable work came at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), where he and his group of “brainiacs” (Dr. Henry McEwen, Bob Kerley, Don Volz, Artie, Jeff, and many others) designed and implemented the first computer “pointer” – now called computer links.
Lee met the love of his life, Bobbie, on May 26, 1949. She came home from a date and he was playing bridge with her parents. The next day, they had lunch and got married. He took her home and 10 days later, knocked on her door to see if she still wanted to be married and she said yes – again. They moved to Austin that day. Thirteen years later, they had their daughter, Casie. Lee was a very kind and loving husband and father. His life centered around his “girls”. He and Bobbie had 67 blissful years of marriage and his love and devotion to Bobbie was remarkable. So much so that he followed her in death in 10 short months.
After retirement, Lee and Bobbie moved to Lake Belton to enjoy life and travel. Those years were filled with joy. His many friends and activities kept them busy. From being an avid UT football fan to his Whiskey Wednesday club, he was always active. Lee was sweet and generous – a true man among men.
Lee’s faith was always an important part of his life. He was a proud member of St. Francis Episcopal Church. Thank you to Father Brad St. Romain, Deacon Tamara Clothier and dear Frances for all of your loving support and guidance. Please make all memorial contributions to St. Francis Church.
The staff of Scott & White CCH and main hospital was amazing throughout his stay. Their compassion and professionalism was unmatched. Thank you to every nurse and physician that cared for my father, and especially those that cried with me.
Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie. He is survived by his daughter, Casie Phelps, his grandsons, Alec and Brendan Pegg, their father Doug Pegg, his God-daughter Missy Barber, his “second daughter” Barbara Sorge, and George Smidt.
Arrangements under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Temple, TX.
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