The Reverend Robert Edward "Bob" Lee, 92, of Hallettsville, TX made a peaceful transition to eternal life on March 3, 2016. He was born on April 13, 1923 in Watertown, MN to God-fearing parents, Dr. T.M. and Orpha Price Lee.   At the age of 12, he accepted Christ at a community revival. Although unaware at the time, this was the first key juncture, one of many to follow, of God's hand in his life. Bob met, fell in love with and married Joan Phyllis Andreassen on February 25, 1944. Later he was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He and his wife Joan were blessed with three wonderful children.

Bob earned his undergraduate degree from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN and a Masters degree from The University of Texas at Austin. During WWII, while serving in the US Marine Corps as a Platoon Sargent in the Pacific area, he was awarded a Purple Heart Medal.

The most dramatic turning point and one that completely changed the direction of his life was contracting polio in 1950. He went from teacher/coach, to attending seminary in Columbus, OH and in 1971 was ordained as a Lutheran Pastor in Austin, TX. Pastor Lee was called to Shepherd King Lutheran Church in Lubbock, TX, and in 1987 moved to Hallettsville, TX, where he served as an Associate Pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Following his retirement, he received the title of Pastor Emeritus.

Pastor Lee loved the Lord, served his country, adored his wife, treasured his family, and had a passion for music, sports, and history. With his God-given voice, he shared his vocal talents in the church and in his community. Bob loved the game of golf and the camaraderie it provided.   He gained enjoyment from attending various local sporting events, while providing encouragement to all athletes and their coaches.

Pastor Lee was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a brother Ted Lee and a sister, Betty Lee Johnson. He is survived by son, Dick Lee and wife Donna of Crosby, TX, daughters Barbara Grindeland and husband Warren of Hallettsville, TX and Marcia Buyers and husband Jim of Aledo, TX. Grandchildren: Kelli Phillips and husband Bob of Dallas, TX, Jim Lee of Austin, TX, Amy Grindeland and husband Alex Clark of Brooklyn, NY, Kirsten Grindeland of New York City, NY, Laura Buyers, and Sam Buyers of Aledo, TX. Great-grandchildren: Charlie and Dylan Adkins, Andreas and Sophia Clark, and Willow Lee. Other survivors include extended family members –nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Many thanks to the staffs of Stevens Nursing and Rehab Center in Hallettsville, Hospice of South Texas and Lavaca Medical Center where excellent care with love and dignity was provided by all.

Family visitation will be on Sunday, March 6th at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hallettsville, TX with a prayer service to follow at 7:30 pm. The funeral service will be on Monday, March 7th at 12 (Noon) in St. Peter Lutheran Church, Hallettsville, TX with Rev. Herb C. Beyer, Jr. officiating joined by Msgr. John Peters and Rev. Ray Hagan. Interment will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 10th, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX. Pallbearers include: Bob Edwards, Virgil Gutierrez, Mike Tankersley, Dr. Wesley McAda, Jimmy Garner, Dennis Matula and Michael Brunner.

In lieu of flowers , family requests that donations be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church Radio Ministry, 100 N. Promenade, Hallettsville, TX 77964, or Honor Flight Austin, 815-A Brazos Street, UPS Box 498, Austin, TX 78701.