Joseph Joe C. Lee

79, of Indianapolis, died Monday, February 21, 2011 at Community Hospital after an illness.

Born in Pahoa, Hawaii on February 11, 1932 to the late Jack Lee (Ah Chong Lee Kai) and Elizabeth Aio Au Fong. Last surviving brother to James, John, David, Moses, and Daniel Makaukane, Alfred Jr., Herbert, Peter, and Simeon Lee.

He was a medic in the Army and served in the Korean War. He was a member of Nativity Catholic Church.

He taught 33 years in public schools in Indianapolis, a seventh and eighth grade teacher, teaching “hands-on-science”.

An avid gourd artist, Joe was a member of the Indiana, Kentucky & Ohio Gourd Societies and his specialty was wood burning on miniature bottle gourds. He taught gourd crafting and exhibited at shows and fairs.

Survivors include wife, Helen Risley Lee; daughters, Ann (Wayne) Vilchuck of Batavia, IL, Laura Schwarz, and Patti (Kris) Klos of Medford, MA; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, John (1983).

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25 at Little & Sons Funeral Home, Stop 11 Road Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations suggested to: John Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund, Blue River Community Foundation, 54 West Broadway, Suite 1, Shelbyville, IN 46176, American Heart Association, or American Diabetes Association.

Please visit the Memory Page at www.littleandsonsindianapolis.com