John Lee Obituary

John Erwin Lee

John Edwin Lee, 89, of Findlay, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, music, craftsmanship, and deep devotion to family.

John was born July 17, 1936, in Carey, to Russell S. and Cora M. (Walter) Lee.

After graduating from high school, he met Betty J. May and found the love of his life. They were married September 27, 1957, and they shared 68 wonderful and loving years together.

He was employed at Allied Signal Automotive for 32 years before his retirement in 1993.

John was a longtime and faithful member of West Independence Church, where his love of music was evident to all who knew him. He shared his gift of song as a member of the Fostoria Men's Barbershop Lake Plains Chorus, the Carey Ecumenical Christmas Choir, and through regular participation in church services as a member of the church choir. He was also a member of the West Independence Men's Quartet for many years. His voice and spirit brought joy and inspiration to many over the years.

Above all, John cherished time spent with his family. He found great happiness in gathering for vacations and holidays, especially treasured moments at Lakeside, where laughter and togetherness created lasting memories.

John also enjoyed a life well-lived through simple pleasures. He was an avid golfer who appreciated time on the course, and a skilled woodworker who took pride in creating with his hands, leaving behind pieces that will be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

John is survived by his wife, Betty Lee; his children, Joyce (Tim) Jackson, Karen (Mark preceded in death) Diller, David (Andréa) Lee, Kristina (Michael) Carpenter, and Daren (Kristen) Lee; grandchildren, Jayme (Rob) Barone, Evan (Kari) Jackson, Ross (Abby) Diller, Ryan (Erica) Diller, Addison (Mariah) Diller, Makenna Diller, Keevan Lee, Malia Lee, Nick Carpenter, Natalie (Adam) Clark, Jacob Carpenter, Joshua Carpenter, Aiden Lee, Hudson Lee, and Cora Lee; great-grandchildren, Liam Barone, Gavin Barone, Colin Barone, Greta Barone, Caroline Jackson, Leah Jackson, Fritz Jackson, Wells Jackson, Naomi Diller, Raya Diller, Walker Diller, Paisley Diller, Anderson Diller, Isla Diller, Clara Clark, Everett Clark, Gideon Clark and three additional blessings coming in 2026. Also survived by his sister, Mary (Rev. Mike) Norris and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Cora (Walter) Lee; brothers, Claren Lee, Art Lee, Jim Lee and David Lee; and his sister, Martha Owsley.

He will be remembered for his warm presence, steady faith, and the love he shared so generously with family and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 3-7 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at West Independence Church, 22876 US-224, Fostoria, Ohio 44830. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the church with visitation from 10-11 a.m. Pastor Ben Wallick and the Rev. Mike Norris will be officiating the service. Burial will follow at Lee Cemetery.

Online condolences, as well as a fond memory, may be shared with John's family by visiting www.stombaughbatton.com

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to West Independence Church, Bridge Hospice, Findlay or Findlay Area Youth for Christ.

John Edwin Lee's life was a testament to the importance of faith, family, and fellowship, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.