Don Lee, 85, passed away May 24, 2024, at Hendricks Hospice Care in Abilene, Texas.
Don Alton Lee was born on August 25, 1938, in Brownwood, Texas to Olin & Jewel Lee. Growing up in May, Texas, he graduated from May High School in 1956. With a natural talent for athletics, he excelled in track and field, achieving National Champion status in the long jump, sprint medley relay, and 440-yard dash during his time at Cisco Jr. College and Howard Payne University. He furthered his education, earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Howard Payne University and a master’s in education administration from Tarleton State University.
In high school, Don crossed paths with Pat Madison, whom he married on August 15, 1959, at the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church in Williams, Texas. His career in education and coaching spanned several successful stints at May ISD, Hardin ISD, Jim Ned ISD, Cross Plains ISD, Bangs ISD, and again at May ISD. Additionally, he served as an elementary principal at Bangs and May Elementary schools.
Throughout his journey, Don and Pat were blessed with three daughters, Kim, Rhonda, and Vicki, each of whom inherited their father’s passion for track and field, education, and coaching. Notably, Don also dedicated time to serve as a medic in the Army National Guard alongside his cousin, Sonny Lee
Upon retirement in 2000, Don and Pat settled into their home at Lake Coleman, where Don indulged in his hobbies of hunting, fishing, woodworking, and gardening while cherishing time with his grandsons. Survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Lee. Don also leaves behind a legacy embraced by his daughters, Kim Dieterich and her husband, Bryan; Rhonda Lee and her partner, Steve; and Vicki Williams, her husband Jeremy, and grandsons Parker and Jackson. He is also survived by his nephews, Gwen, Mitch, and Robbie Lee and his nieces, Nardi Reaves and Lana Bailey, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Olin and Jewel Lee; his brother, Edward Lee; his grandson, Caden Williams; his nephew, Greg Lee; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A visitation with the family will take place on Wednesday, May 29, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the May Methodist Church in May, Texas, followed by a Celebration of Life service on Thursday, May 30, at 2:00 pm at May Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Don Longoria. The burial will be a private ceremony for family members at the Blake Cemetery. Arrangements are under the arrangements of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Caden Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund by mailing checks payable to Caden Williams Memorial Scholarship to Vicki Williams at 2106 Valleyview Drive, San Angelo, Texas 76904.