Lee, Robert A.

Robert A. Lee, 95, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013. Known to all his friends and acquaintances as Bob, he was an icon in Iowa City recreation for which the popular downtown center bears his name. A gathering time for family and friends will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Social Hall in Iowa City. Burial, with military honors, will be 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Bob's family request memorial donations be sent to Iowa City Parks and Recreation Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Robert A. Lee was born April 5, 1918, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Charles E. and Marion (Graves) Lee. Bob attended schools in Cedar Rapids, graduating from McKinley High School and later Coe College. He married Naomi L. Read at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. In September of this year, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

He taught school and coached basketball and baseball in Stanhope from 1940-1941. During World War II he served in the United States Army, enlisting in January of 1942. He served two years in Europe, where he received five battle stars, including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, and at the time of his discharge, his rank was captain. Returning to Iowa he became a program supervisor for the Waterloo Recreation Commission in 1946-47 and the first superintendent for the Cedar Falls Recreation Department from 1948 to 1951. He became superintendent of the Iowa City Recreation Department in 1951 and held that post until his retirement in May 1983.

Bob was a member of the National Recreation and Park Association, American Recreation Society and the Iowa Park and Recreation Association of which he served as president in 1949 and 1966. In 1968, he was the recipient of the IPRA Award of Merit for his professional service.

Upon his retirement in 1983, the Iowa City Council passed a resolution naming the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, past president of Cedar Falls Kiwanis Club, Optimist Club of Iowa City, The American Legion, National Wood Carvers Association, an original board member of First National Bank First Club, and a 10-year volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels. An avid Hawkeye fan, you came to learn not to try and call Bob during an Iowa football or basketball game unless you just wanted to hear a busy signal.

His family includes his wife, Naomi; son, Mark (Janis) Lee of Port Neches, Texas; daughter, Jacqueline Lee of Minneapolis; grandsons, Christopher and Jeffrey (Jean); one great-grandson, Trent; niece, Catherine Sharp; and a nephew, Richard Lee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Edward.

The family wishes to thank all of the nurses and caregivers at Mercy Iowa City who were so great in making his last few days as comfortable as possible. One of his biggest concerns was trying not to forget any of their names.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Bob's family and his services.

Published Oct. 19, 2013 in The Gazette