CDR. Richard H. Lee USN, Retired

Commander Richard Henry Lee (USN Retired) of Homosassa, Florida died on December 9, 2014. He was born on July 3, 1929 in Geneva, New York to Lieutenant Samuel Edward Lee and Adelaide Julia O’Brien Lee; who later raised him in Coral Gables, FL. Cdr. Lee was the last surviving sibling of four brothers: Robert E., Samuel, Everett, and Larry Lee. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother and husband and is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bonnie M. Lee, two children from his present marriage and spouses: Col. Fred Swope (Debbie Swope), and Kimberly Schafer (Bill Schafer); both of Navarre, FL, and four grandchildren: Charles Schafer of Alpharetta, GA, Randy Schafer of Athens, GA, Richard Swope of Louisville, KY, Nikki Swope Bowell (Jonathan Bowell) of Radford, VA.

A child, grandchildren, and great grandchildren also survive him from his first marriage: Donna Shuker, and her daughters Nancy Ann Parisella and Laura Lee. A son and daughter, Robert and Joanna Lee, predeceased him.

Commander Lee had a distinguished military career for 33 years and served in Naval Security activities and stations around the world including Adak, Alaska, Turkey, Homestead, Florida, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was proud of his Surface Warfare and Submariner status while aboard such venerable ships as the USS Liberty and USS Tills. Cdr. Lee was also a veteran of the WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War conflicts. He was awarded many distinguished accommodations and medals for his service throughout his Naval career. Among his other accomplishments he was a Past Exalted Ruler for the Order of the West Citrus Elks, Lodge #2693, a Master Mason/32nd Degree, Former President and Vice President of the Military Officer’s Association of America, an usher at St. Thomas Catholic Church, and a member of the HOA Deed Restriction/Common Area Committee for Sugarmill Woods. Richard was an avid and devoted golfer and we are confident he is already on the back nine in heaven.

Services will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. There will be a repast/reception for friends and family at the Citrus Elks lodge at 1:00 P.M. with an honor ceremony at 1:15 P.M. Commander Lee will later be inurned with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery where other family members are at their final rest. Services entrusted to Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa. www.wilderfuneral.com