January 12, 1938 – June 23, 2023
Lee Hall "Pete" Boozel lost his battle with Alzheimer's on June 23, 2023, in San Diego, CA. Lee was born on January 12, 1938 in Gardena, California to John and Bertha Boozel. Lee and the family moved to Rough and Ready in 1949. He graduated 8th Grade from Rough and Ready School and then from Nevada Union High School in 1955. Lee immediately joined the Navy Seabees where he served honorably for 22 years rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. It was during this time he received his degree from Mt. San Antonio College. His military career included service in: Guam; Lake Mead Base, Las Vegas; Iwakuni, Japan; Port Hueneme, California; Vietnam; and North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego. After retiring from the military in 1977, he became a supervisor in the San Diego Public Works Center, retiring again in 2000.
Lee’s interests were many but above all he loved his family and helping others. He was quick to volunteer for coaching baseball, softball, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, lending a hand on many back-packing trips, including one to the summit of Mt. Whitney. Many evenings and weekends would find him in his backyard working on cars and trucks, and especially on his model T's. While visiting England in 2005, Lee’s right leg was amputated due to an infection. After his long and difficult recovery and learning how to adapt to life as a high-level amputee, Lee was awarded the Sharp Hospital Eagle Spirit Award. Later, he returned to Grossmont Hospital and volunteered to work with other amputees helping them in their recovery. Another major change came in 2005, when Lee and Marie joined the First Lutheran Church. Once again Lee volunteered and was quickly accepted, serving in several capacities. Lee was often heard to say losing a leg was the best thing that happened to him because it was then he found God. He and his wife continued to travel throughout the world and went on many camping trips with family and friends.
Lee is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marie. He also leaves his daughters Debra (Steve) Williams and Eileen (Randall) Partridge-Scheppmann, sons Steven (Karen) Boozel and Keith (Christine) Boozel, Grandchildren Brian Williams, Emily (Nick) Ziccardi, Chris Partridge,
Kelly (Waylon) Mooney, Stephanie Boozel, Sean (Natalie) Boozel,
Kassie (Patrick) Sutil, Kaydee Boozel, 5 great-grandchildren, and Lee’s sisters Eleanor Elliott-Pattison and Elsie Durgin, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Lee is predeceased by his parents John and Bertha Boozel, three brothers Richard, Robert, Frank Boozel, and two nephews Greg Elliott and HM1 (FMF) Daniel Durgin.
If you would like to make a donation in Lee’s name the family suggests: Alzheimer's San Diego, 3635 Ruffin Rd. Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92123 or First Lutheran Church, 867 S. Lincoln Ave. El Cajon, CA 92020.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elcajonmortuary.com for the Boozel family.
