BERNE — Kenneth E. Lee, a Korean war veteran and devoted family man, died on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at the Community Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s. He was 89.

He was born in Rensselaerville on Jan. 8, 1930 to the late Oscar and Melissa Ingram Lee. After high school, he worked for a few years before joining the Army in 1951. He served in Korea and was honorably discharged in February of 1953. Mr. Lee was a member of the American Legion Post 1493 in Voorheesville.

In November of 1953, he married his beloved wife, Charlene M. Hotaling.

In 1955, he began working at John Boyd Thacher State Park and worked as a regional maintenance mechanic for 38 years before retiring.

He loved being outdoors and enjoyed farming, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed bowling, reading, and being with his animals.

“He was a great father, a wonderful grandfather, and an adoring great-grandfather,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He was an honest, hardworking man and would help anyone who needed him. He was always there for everybody.”

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Kenneth E. Lee is survived by his wife, Charlene; his son, Donald J. Lee, and his wife, Danielle C. Lee; his daughter-in-law, Deborah J. Lee; his grandchildren, Jennifer Butler, Jarod Lee, Brandon Lee, Brittni Tambasco, Kirstie Hahn, and Kayla Lee; his great-grandchildren, Julea Burgess, Jeffrey Burgess, Raven Tambasco, Kenzie Lee, and Hayden Hahn; his sister, Rita Vankerun; and many nieces and nephews.

His parents, Oscar and Melissa Ingram Lee, died before him, as did his children, Kenneth D., Jenny Mae, and Ricky E. Lee; and his four brothers and four sisters.

“Ken has been privately cremated and a Celebration of Life will take place in the summer of 2020,” his family wrote.

Memorial messages may be left below.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the South Westerlo Congregational Christian Church, 282 Route 405, Greenville, NY 12083 or the South Berne Congregational Christian Church, 101 Church Road, Berne, NY 12023.