Donald Andrew Lee

Donald “Don” Andrew Lee passed away peacefully and joined God and his Angels on Sunday, June 30, 2024. He was surrounded by his family during his transition to heaven.

Donald was born on September 17, 1931 and lived a blessed life to the age of 92 years old. He was born and raised in Baraboo, Wisconsin to his parents Abner and Carol Lee and had three siblings Robert, Mary and John. In 1950, Donald joined the U.S. Navy and was an Airman in the Korean War where he received many honors along with receiving a Purple Heart for his service. He was a very proud veteran who was dedicated to his country.  After serving in the military, Donald moved to Long Beach, California around 1955 and continued to be a resident of Long Beach for 69 years. Donald began working in California with the U.S. Navy in the Fuel Distribution Department. After working with the U.S. Navy, Donald continued his career working for many oil refineries throughout Southern California like Shell, Arco, Golden Eagle and many others. He had a very successful career which included 35 years of work dedicated to the U.S. Department of Defense in Fuel Distribution and Inspection.

In 1960, Donald met his wife Joanne at Shell Oil Company where he worked as a Chemist and Joanne was a secretary. The work relationship turned romantic and they were married in 1961. In the following year of 1962, they welcomed their first child a daughter Sharon and later in 1963, they welcomed their second child, a son Gary. As a family they lived and served their community of Long Beach and surrounding community of Lakewood. Donald and his family had a strong relationship with their community Catholic church of St. Pancratius. Both of Donald’s children attended school there throughout their education. Donald was a very spiritual man who dedicated himself to God and his church which included being an usher at church services, a grief minster and also assisted in accounting services. One of his favorite annual activities he enjoyed participating in was assisting with the church yearly carnival.

Donald was a true socialite. He loved talking to people everywhere he went. Donald enjoyed so many activities like singing, dancing, fishing, hunting, photography, the ocean and traveling especially to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with his brother John for fishing trips. He also had astonishing love for animals and especially the many dogs he owned throughout his life. Donald was an avid member of his neighborhood watch and was involved in the city council to help maintain a safe community. Lastly, he immensely loved spending time with his granddaughter and his two great-grandson who always kept him busy laughing. Overall, he was the life of the party!

His laughter was like that of thunder and his smile was a ray of sunshine! His heart was worn on his sleeve as he cherished everyone he met. He would help anyone in need without asking. His family was very precious to him and were loved and treasured beyond the stars. Donald was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor and friend. He is survived by his daughter Sharon, granddaughter Sheronda and her husband Salvador and two great-grandsons Luciano and Lorenzo and brother John and wife Diane.

Please help to celebrate such an extraordinary man by attending all or any of the services that will be conducted on his behalf.