Robert Eugene Lee

Robert Eugene Lee, 79, of Ogallala, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Great Plains Health in North Platte with his children by his side. As per Bob’s wishes, cremation was chosen. A Celebration of Life gathering of friends and family will be held Saturday, June 11th from 2:00 - 4:00 at the Ogallala Quality Inn Banquet Room.

Bob was born on July 26th, 1936, one of seven children born to Oscar and Alice (Kinney) Lee in Hamlet, Nebraska. The family moved to Ogallala where he completed schooling through the tenth grade. At that time he began working odd jobs to help Alice, by then a single mother, support the family.

While working as a ranch hand in Arthur, Bob met the love of his life, Bernice (Bunny) Bradley, at a dance in Lewellen. They were married on December 18, 1954 in Lewellen at the ages of 18 and 16. Their first son, Scott Eugene, was born October 15, 1955. Sadly, Scotty passed away in January of 1956. They went on to have three more children, Douglas, Dana and Deanna.

The family made their home in Ogallala. Soon after their marriage Bob began working as a mail clerk at TRW, which would eventually become American Shizuki Corporation. For the majority of his thirty -seven year career with the company Bob held the position of Production Manager.

Bob had a dry sense of humor and could tell a tall tale without cracking a smile. He loved pulling jokes, teasing, old western movies and books and what he called “real” country music. Before his health began to fail, he was an avid outdoorsman, pursuing the hobbies of hunting, fishing, canoeing and camping. He and Bunny loved Lake McConaughy and spent hundreds of hours combing the beaches for arrow heads. He was a long time active member of the Big Mac Sports Club as well as a member of the VFW, the Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge.

The family endured many turbulent years as Bob battled an alcohol addiction. In March of 1982, with the support of his family and many friends, Bob entered treatment at Valley Hope in Norton, Kansas. By this time Doug was married and a father, Dana had taken early graduation from high school and left the home and Dede was a high school student. This was an opportunity for a new beginning for the family as they began the process of healing. Bob let it be known that he was deeply sorry for the years he lost with his family and that it was a regret he did not take lightly. Bob lovingly took on the role as caregiver to Bunny as she fought the final stages of Multiple Sclerosis. He gave the best years of his life to his nine grandchildren whom he loved dearly and of whom he was incredibly proud.

Bob is survived by his children; Doug and Wendy Lee of Lawton, Iowa, Dana and Brad Killough of Holdrege, Nebraska and Dede Shafer and her life companion Bruce Siffring of Lincoln, Nebraska, grandchildren; Joshua (Hula) Lee, Matthew (Cassie) Lee, Jennifer (Blake) Reynolds, Daniel (Mysti) Killough, Trevor (Amy) Lee, Nicholas (Anna) Killough, Kristin(Taylor) Majerus, Cory Knaub and Emma Martin. He was also blessed with six great- grandchildren. Surviving siblings are Dale Lee of Gordon, Nebraska, Dorothy Ward of Loveland, Colorado and Donna Dorn of Aurora, Colorado, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition, survivors include his lifelong com padres Jim Hoover and Al Tompkins and special family friend, Henrietta Blue. Without the loyal friendship of these three individuals Bob would not have been able to hold his independence for as long as he did.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife of forty three years, Bunny; infant son Scotty; brother, John Lee; and sisters, Ann Carlin and Katie Dawson.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Keith County Senior Center with designation to home delivery meals.  Online condolences may be sent to webmaster@drauckerfh.com or by signing the Guest Book at www.drauckerfh.com. Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is assisting the Lee Family.

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