Richard Lee

September 30, 1942 – December 11, 2024

Richard Lee, 82, Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, December 11, 2024, at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville. Born on September 30, 1942, in Indianapolis, he was the son of the late Paul Howard and Mary Ann (Dee) Lee.

He was a 1961 graduate of Sheridan High School, and a faithful attendant of the Sheridan First Christian Church.

Richard honorably served his country as a soldier in the United States Army. During part of his time in the service, he was stationed in Germany.

A tinkerer at heart, Richard could fix just about anything you put in front of him. He learned by doing – take it apart, see what was wrong, fix it, and put it back together (hopefully). It sounds so simple, but it takes quite a bit of tinkering, over quite a few years, to get it right. Years of experience is part of the secret, and Richard spent those years fixing and building things, surrounded by people who had years of experience under their own belts.

He worked for several years at Warren Millikan’s Sinclair Station in Sheridan, learning the ins and outs of things before going to work at Hare Chevrolet in Noblesville. Richard also worked for 30 years as a machinist and internal grinder for Biddle Precision Components in Sheridan. These skills were put to excellent use out in the garage, where he loved to restore antique cars and Corvettes. He also spent many, many hours working on his moped and loved every minute of it. Richard loved zooming all over the place on that thing.

When it was time to relax, he could often be found watching an old western or one of his sci-fi favorites, like Star Trek.

Richard had a patient and easy-going nature, a strong faith that helped guide every decision he made, and a kind and gentle soul that could instantly put you at ease, quietly letting you know that everything was going to work itself out. When it came to his family, he loved them more than anything in this world, especially when it came to his grandson.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Ann “Beth” (Bundy) Lee. She and Richard were married on August 10, 1975, and would spend the next 49 years by each other’s side. He is also survived by his daughter, Kari E. Lee (Bob Thorn) of Sheridan; grandson, Shane M. Joyner of Sheridan; two sisters, Carol Gerber (Jim) of Lapel and Rebecca Lunde (Lynn) of Florida; brother-in-law, Michael B. Bundy (Malinda) of Sheridan; sister-in-law, Emily K. Pearson of Cicero; nieces and nephews, Avery Bundy of Sheridan, Autumn Hoffman (Parker) of Flora, Jennifer Gerber of Lapel, and Myron Gerber of Pendleton; two great-nephews, Brandon Gerber, and Callan Hoffman; and by his special friends, Jeannie McKay, Marinda McKay, Benny Gray, Kathy Gray, and their wonderful families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Howard and Mary Ann (Dee) Lee; his sister, Lorna Hess; father-in-law and mother-in law, William T. and Mary K. Bundy; brother-in-law, Jimmie “Finney” Pearson; and by his canine BFF, Sissy.

Richard’s family asks that you help honor his memory by dressing casually for his funeral. This was one of his final requests.

Services with military honors will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with visitation from noon until the time of service. Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor VJ Stover will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Sheridan First Christian Church, 107 W. 3rd St., Sheridan, IN 46069.

Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com