John F. Lee

October 17, 2022

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John F. Lee, 81, of Clinton County, died October 17, 2022 peacefully at his home.  He was born March 18, 1941 in Frankfort to the late Ralph & Roberta (Hamilton) Lee.  He married Mary Ann Schaible on May 14, 1983 in Lafayette, Ind. and she survives.

John was a 1959 graduate of Linden High School, attended Purdue University, and graduated in 1966 from the Indiana State Police Academy in Bloomington Indiana.   He began his appointment with the Indiana State Police September 1, 1966 and was assigned initially to the Indiana Toll Road.  In 1970 he transferred to the Indiana State Police post in Lafayette and retired September 3, 1991 with the rank of Sergeant.  John was also a lifelong grain farmer beginning at age 10 driving loaded grain trucks to the elevator in Kirkpatrick IN and ending 70 years later mowing bottomland and providing advice and counsel to nephew Wes Hickox who farmed by his side for the last 20 years.  He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1963-1969.  He was a 50 plus year member of the Jefferson, Indiana Vesta Masonic Lodge #136.

Visitation and Services

Funeral service will be held at 12 Noon, Thursday, October 27, 2022at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 600 Ferry Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. Father Bradley Pace will officiate. A gathering of friends and family in The Commons at the church will follow the service. Memorial donations may be made to the LUM Protein Pantry, 420 N. 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901; Food Finders Food Bank, 1204 Greenbush St., Lafayette, IN 47904; or to the food pantry of your choice.

Survived by:

Wife: Mary Ann Lee, Daughter: Tracy A. Duddy, 3 beloved Grandsons, Liam Niall Duddy, John Beckett Duddy and Cameron Lennox Duddy, Sister: Jan M. Moreau, nephews, Brian L. Paddack and Garet B. Paddack and niece Heather R. Martin.

Preceded by:

his parents and a son, Russell.

Condolences

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13 Condolences for “John F. Lee”

  1. Edward Smith October 21, 2022 at 12:51 pm

    We are so sorry to hear that John passed. I used to manage the grain elevator in Fickle and had a lot of great times with John during harvest and just visiting with all the neighbors. He was such a great man and will sure be missed. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Ed and Jackie Smith.

    Reply
  2. Marcia Foster October 21, 2022 at 1:31 pm

    Mary Ann, Your family has my heartfelt sympathy and he had the best in a wife because of your love for each other and it showed. Loved the little stories you shared about his determination to be able to do some things in the farming process. I never got to meet John but feel I knew him through you! He will still be watching down and will be smiling. Watch for the Cardinals and butterflies and red dragonflies as these are ways they come and are close to you. Hugs and prayers to you and yours. Love you my friend who is the best chef I know!

    Reply
  3. Jim Dillman October 21, 2022 at 11:04 pm

    I am very sorry to learn of John’s passing. I worked with John for three years at the Lafayette Post. He was always a pleasure to be around. Condolences to Mary Ann and family.

    Reply
  4. Bob and Carolyn Shaff October 22, 2022 at 7:44 am

    Please accept Bob’s and my sincerest condolences on your loss. I am sorry we cannot pay our respects in person. Will be thinking of you and the family .

    Reply
  5. Joycelyn Gates October 22, 2022 at 10:11 am

    This world lost a good man. My husband, Oscar, really liked John and thought him a good trooper. May God bless each of you.
    Joycelyn Gates

    Reply
  6. Doug Kelly, ISP Ret. October 22, 2022 at 7:03 pm

    John was my squad sergeant in 1991 before he retired. John allowed me to ice fish on his farm pond. Many fish were harvested from that pond. Many wonderful family fish fries. I always regarded John as a servant supervisor, one of the best Lafayette district had. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He will be sorely missed.

    Reply
  7. David Silvers October 23, 2022 at 9:29 am

    Sorry for your loss. Back in the ’70s John was a great friend. I was the service station owner that was close to the state police post on the westside. I painted that green Volkswagen for him. I have missed John over the years. He was the best man and someone to look up to. Sorry to the family for loss of a great man.

    Reply
  8. Tom Gripe October 25, 2022 at 2:22 pm

    Mary Ann, we are so sorry for your loss. John told me once that he was so happy to meet you but that he was confused when after the marriage you removed the large picture of his Indiana State Police badge from over the fireplace mantle. Our children enjoyed learning about farming from John and his father. JT then 8 years old, remembers buzzing your house in the Bonanza. Whenever we would return from Indy on I-65 and cross the overpass adjacent to your farm Mandy would remark that that bridge belonged to John and Mary Ann Lee. And lastly, we all remember your Mother racing the go kart down your driveway. Warmest regards, Tom & Gail Gripe

    Reply
  9. Chico Jensen October 26, 2022 at 10:34 am

    So sorry to hear of my friend’s passing. My condolences to family.

    Reply
  10. Kathy Hicks October 26, 2022 at 11:32 pm

    I am so sorry to learn of John’s passing. I will be praying for you and Tracy and your whole family during this difficult time. I’m so glad you have each other to lean on. Miss seeing you all and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Love,
    Kathy Hicks

    Reply
  11. Lafayette Urban Ministry November 3, 2022 at 1:38 pm

    The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry wish to extend our sincerest condolences to John’s wife Mary Ann, his daughter, grandsons, and extended family and friends. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.

    Reply
  12. Ken Fowler November 16, 2022 at 2:29 pm

    I’m sorry I had not heard this news until November 16, 2022. John and I worked the Toll Road starting in 1966. He was a best friend-we both lived in Michigan City and we both drove Corvettes. I guess the last time I talked with John was when he turned his ISP Gear in at Headquarters, September 1, 1991: he gave me some good advice and those words remain with me today. We investigated many accidents, handed out a lot of citations and arrested many bad guys. We backed each other up on many occasions. One thing for sure; when John told you something, he never had to repeat himself. He was Indiana’s Finest in every way. My condolences to Mary Ann and the family; John was a legend! RIP John

    Reply
    • Mary Ann Lee November 20, 2022 at 3:39 pm

      Thank you Ken. He mentioned you over the years. I could always tell he loved that time on the Toll Road. He continued to impart that calm clear wisdom to his grown grandsons until just a few days before he died. Wonderful guy who we miss so but we’re so grateful to have him for so many years.

      Reply

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