Phillip L. Lee, 66, of rural South Whitley, died at 10:05 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, at his home. He had been in failing health.

He was born Nov. 5, 1948, in Warsaw, a son of Dallas O. and Lois V. (Brown) Lee. His formative years were spent in Monroe Township, Kosciusko County. He graduated from Pierceton High School. On May 27, 1968 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged May 20, 1974.

On Oct. 20, 1971, he was united in marriage to Linda E. Lortie. They have made their home in the South Whitley area, moving to their present home in 1990. A truck driver, he retired in 2002 from Pierceton Trucking Company with 34 years of service.

His memberships include Teamsters Union #135 and American Legion Post #258 in Pierceton.

Surviving relatives include his wife: Linda; two children: Angela M. (Brad) Kiger, Columbia City; and Cassandra (Michael) Licata, South Whitley; five grandchildren: Kaitlyn Ness; Nathaniel Ness; Amanda Kiger; Megan Licata; and Mackenzie Licata; a brother: Eddie Lee, Columbia City; and a sister: Judy Kreider, Columbia City.

His parents and a brother: Galen Lee, preceded him in death.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in St. Catherine Nix Settlement Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation care of the Hayden Lortie Fund or Multiple Sclerosis Society care of the Lisa Andrews Fund.