Joe E Lee

Joseph “Joe” Edmund Lee, 92, died the evening of April 29, 2020, in Prescott, Arizona surrounded by loved ones. Joe was born April 13, 1928, to Charles Henry Lee and Maria Rumaldita Aragon in Costilla, New Mexico. Born into the Great Depression, Joe learned the value of hard work and perseverance at an early age. He was a natural student and received high marks in school while also working to help support the family. Joe left home at the age of twelve in pursuit of work, which he found as a laborer for farms, railroads, mines, and manufacturing operations; however, each one ended in dismissal when the employer inevitably found out he was a minor. Out of options, Joe moved to Courtland, California with his sister Mary and her husband. In time he found work as a truck driver and married his first wife, Josephine. In February, 1951, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably as a mason while stationed in Germany and a ball turret gunner while stationed in Korea during the Korean War. Joe suffered two broken legs while traveling back to the United States on a cargo plane and spent the final four months of his service rehabilitating in Honolulu, Hawaii. Joe would often recount his thanks and appreciation for the healthcare providers that pushed him to walk again. Joe returned to New Mexico following his divorce from Josephine. It was in there that he met Fidencia “Fidie” Martinez. In his journal he wrote “she and I did the jitterbug all night and that was the night I met my little sweetheart.” Joe, Fidie, and Fidie’s three daughters moved to the Grand Canyon National Park in 1959. It was at the Grand Canyon that Joe and Fidie built a legacy of hard work and family that continues today. Joe was hired by Mr. Guthrie, a man for whom he had immense love and respect, as the lead custodian for the Grand Canyon School District. In Joe’s time working for the school and living in the Grand Canyon community, he played a pivotal role in many lives. He logged over one million miles without an accident while driving the school bus, taking children to and from school and sporting events all over Arizona. He took immense pride in the maintenance and condition of the school, especially the condition of the gymnasium floor. Joe and Fidie retired to Chino Valley, Arizona in 1992, after 32 years of meticulous care of Grand Canyon School, the teachers and coaches, as well as the children of the community. Joe’s work ethic was fueled by the love of family and his faith in God. He took tremendous pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, often traveling long distances just to spend a couple hours at a game or recital. He loved fishing, storytelling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. He was a man of high ideals who exhibited compassion, loyalty, and strength of character through good times and bad. He maintained a wonderful sense of humor, always willing to share a joke and a laugh. He was quick to lend a hand or a dollar to someone in need and all were welcome under his roof. He consistently did the little things the right way, learned from his mistakes, and persisted to build a life that was meaningful and impactful to those that were fortunate to know him. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, wife Fidie Lee, son Joe “Ray” Raymond Lee, and siblings Henry T. Lee and Mary Lee Chacon. Joe is survived by: first wife, Josephine Lee, and their four children Charles “Chucky” Lee, David Hernandez, Edmond “Punky” Lee, and Leroy Lee; siblings Robert Martinez and Susie Apodaca; step-daughters Veva Slayton, Annabelle Palmer, and Geraldine Ortiz; children Daniel Lee, Bernice Shanks, Judy Walker, JoEllen Lee-Mathews, Debbie Hookano, and Katie Thomas, and; over 40 grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Sunrise Funeral Home located in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Due to the current Covid 19 Virus Executive Order, The Burial Ceremony is private and will be attended by only immediate family members. I lieu of flowers, please donate to the Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Legion Post 42 where Joe was a previous Commander.

Joe E Lee

April 13, 1928 - April 29, 2020