Kenneth Lee

Kenneth C. Lee, 89, of Thatcher AZ, peacefully entered into eternal rest on June 25, 2021, with his daughters at his side. Ken was born January 27, 1932, in Cushman, Arkansas to Elmer and Margie Hightower Lee. He was the second of 9 children and worked hard picking cotton to help support his large family. His family packed up and moved to Pima, AZ in around 1948, then in August, 1952 Ken joined the Army and served honorably in Korea and Okinawa. When he returned from service he met Mina Reynolds and after 6 months of dating, they were married on January 27, 1955. Together they raised 6 children and owned and ran the Richfield Arco Station in Pima. He was a volunteer firefighter, search and rescue, as well as deputy sheriff twice. After selling the station, he worked as a carpenter building cooling towers for Salt River Project power plants all over AZ. Due to an injury, he retired in 1994 and has spent the rest of his life spending quality time with Mina, his family and friends. Ken and Mina had many friends and loved to do things together. Anyone that met Ken loved and respected him. He loved kidding around and being silly with anyone he came in contact with. He will be missed greatly. Ken joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was sealed to Mina for time and all eternity in 1958 at the Arizona, Mesa Temple. He served in many capacities in the church and loved his ward families. Ken was preceded in death by Mina; his wife of 66 years, daughter; Sandy, son; Randy, granddaughter; BriAnne Bird. As well as his parents, 4 brothers and 1 sister. Ken is survived by his children; Kris (Kristin) Lee of Vernon, Beth (Dale) Adams of Alpine, Robyn (Mark) Meredith of Mesa and Dustin (Brett) Lee of Queen Creek, brother; Jay (Needra) Lee of Pima, sister; Wilma (Wayne) Whitmire of Safford and sister; Betty Stewart of Bangs, TX as well as 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Services will be held July 2, 2021 at Temple View chapel in Central AZ. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM in the Relief Society Room with the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM. Following the service, Ken will be interred at the Pima, AZ Cemetery with full military honors. There will be a luncheon in the cultural hall immediately after the graveside service.