Paul Michael Lee was born February 10, 1936 in Portland, Oregon to Frances Lorene King and Cecil Summey Lee. His sister, Linda Zoe joined the family, only to pass away leaving him an only child. Mike was incredibly curious and was known to take things apart to learn how they worked.
In high school, he joined the ROTC, which got him ready for serving in the Air Force. Mike also worked on a variety of jobs, but the most unusual one was working on the rails for the railroad. He joined the Air Force and was almost stationed in Iceland, when at the last second, he was transferred to Kirtland Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he met Shirlene Lewis. After two weeks, he proposed and they were later married in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on May 16, 1958.
Their first daughter, Michelle was born the following February. The family moved to California soon after where their second daughter, Cindy was born. The family moved to Tempe, Arizona in 1962. Almost 7 ½ years passed before their third daughter, Kristine was born. During their 62 years of marriage, Mike and Shirlene shared many different experiences together including serving a four-year mission to the Mesa Family History Center.
Mike was always a people person and loved talking to everyone that he came in contact with. He knew how to make each person feel special. This was evident in all of his church callings and with those he associated with. He may have only had three daughters but Mike also loved his extended family. He adopted many of his daughters’ friends into the family and called them his sons and daughters.
The family is grateful for technology that allowed them to be with Mike until he passed away on December 31, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Shirlene Lee, and his daughters, Michelle, Cindy, and Krissy Lee. He will be greatly missed.
I will miss him, he was always very sweet to me.
My condolences to the Lee family. I have rarely seen such love, devotion, and faith in my life as are present in this family. I pray these things will help get through this difficult time. Sending hugs and much love.
What a beautiful tribute to a great man!! Happy to be called one of his adopted daughters!!
That was a lovely obituary. I learned a few new things too. He was a great man! May you feel God’s comfort I pray.
Un gran abrazo querida. Tu Padre ahora está trabajando y cuidando a su familia desde el otro lado del velo. La resurreción es real y es un amoroso regalo del Señor Jesucristo para cada una de nosotros. Algun dia se volveran a juntar con su Daddy, pues las familia pueden ser eternas!!❤️
To know a man is a privilege. One we did not share. But to know a man through his daughters, that is a rare privilege indeed. We met this brother once. But his daughters so very many times. We watched them serve others in the Holy Temple. We saw how they treated those who had infirmities and handicaps. We witnessed a reflection of their parents in their living hearts. We are especially blessed that they have adopted us, and we them, as family. Just another reflection of their parents and the Light of Christ in their lives. So yes, you will be missed dear brother, but as long as your light still shines in all who knew and loved you, you are still with us.
He was a wonderful man, and will surely be missed. Peace be with him and the whole Lee family.
The Ostler siblings share their condolences for the loss of your father. It has been many years since our own Tempe 2nd Ward days but we remember your father with fondness. We wish all the family comfort during this time of separation. May the memories of your father warm your hearts during this difficult time.
We have wonderful memories of your close and loving family in Tempe. We watched and admired how you all treated each other with kindness and love. It was a great example to us and showed in the kind of good people you all are. We appreciate having spend time in the stake with you. Our love and prayers are with you in your loss. Aren’t we blessed to know the great plan of happiness of our Heavenly Father that allows for this to be just a temporary parting and make eternal families possible. Love, The Jamesons