Darwin Lee

Darwin Lee was born June 17, 1926 in Portland, Oregon to Roger and Ida Lee. His younger brother Laurence survives him. Darwin’s older siblings Virginia, Allen, Louise and Lila preceded him in death. His mother died when he was six and he spent his early years on property in the Portland area and on Quail Lane in Roseburg.
Darwin entered the service during World War II but contracted rheumatic fever and spent 18 months in a naval hospital. The doctors at that time told him to get a desk job and not plan on having children. They cautioned him that he should not expect a long life because of the effects of his illness. But God had different plans.
Darwin married Maxine Lenz on August 30, 1947. He later took a job at Umpqua Dairy where he worked for over 40 years jumping in and out of a milk truck daily, carrying boxes and crates all day long and never missing a day of work. He retired from Umpqua Dairy in 1988 and enjoyed working on his 15 acres on Quail Lane in Roseburg, even mowing his yard up until the last few months before his passing. Many family events were held there with Papa and Grammy hosting. Papa love being visited by his family clear up until the day of his death.
Darwin and Maxine had seven children: Sharon Foley (Fred), Marilyn Carter (Dick), Gary Lee (who preceded his father in death in 2012), Darrel Lee (Debbie), Dayle Lee (Susie), Ginny Tompkins (Larry) and Harlan Lee (Debbie). There are also 23 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.
In 1975 Darwin was born again and spent the last 44 years of his life serving God. He was a tremendous example of faith and an inspiration to all who knew him.
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