NORMAN — Wesley “Cool Guy” Raymond Lee, 52, of Bartlesville, died July 10 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Wes was born Sept. 15, 1958, in Norman, to Robert and Claudia Lee. He grew up in Norman and graduated from Norman High School. He continued his education at Rose State College.
He served in the United States Navy from 1988 until 1992. After many years in Norman, he moved to Bartlesville where he worked for many years at REDA, followed by employment at Amazon.com, located in Coffeyville, Kan., until the onset of his illness in 2009.
Wesley was an incredible father who had an insatiable love of life and a contagious sense of humor. While his life was full of incredible stories of international travels and hours spent perfecting muscle cars, he also faced many hardships, handling them all with humor and sometimes at the golf course. During the last year of his life, his playful and witty outlook toward life allowed him to focus on flirting with nurses and joking with medical personnel, often to the dismay of his daughter, who was constantly trying to be taken seriously.
He will be fondly remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and dedication to his friends and family, also for his famous barbecue chicken with mint iced tea.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Megan (Lee) and Kyle Kempf of Bartlesville; mother, Claudia Lee of Texas; and sister and brothers, Carole Mullins, Mike Mullins and Bill Lee, all of Texas, and Bob Lee of Norman. He also is survived by his incredible friends Paul and Michele Sutter and Monte and DeeDee Magner.
Wes was adamant that people use the occasion of his passing to remember and celebrate his life and tell the stories that he will no longer be able to share. In accordance with his wishes, a private memorial gathering will be held to honor both his life and the lives of those who have supported him.
Instead of sending flowers, those who wish to make a contribution in memory may do so to: Comforting Hands Hospice, 2450 SE Washington Blvd., Suite A, Bartlesville, OK. 74006.
Cremation services provided by Stumpff Funeral Home and Crematory.
Norman Transcript, Friday, July 15, 2011
Richard Davis
What a sense of humor Wes had. He was one of those people that was a joy to be around.
He will be missed dearly.
Susie Pasierb (Upton)
Words simply cannot express the sadness we all feel for the loss of Wes, our "Prince" and role model for all the good things that we believed represented the true spirit of the class of 1976. My heart is so heavy for his beautiful daughter, family and friends who so gallantly stood by his bedside and loved and cherished him until the very end. God forbid any of us should suffer such a tremendous burden and it is most tragic that his life was snuffed out by such a hideous, devastating disease. We can all learn many lessons from Wes because of his total commitment for living life to the fullest, dedication to his family, his high morals and ethics, and love for all who were most fortunate to know and love him. His genuine wit, wisdom and humor brought out the best in all of us - he never met a stranger and invited everyone who was fortunate enough to know him, into his circle of influence. Wes's outlook on life never ceased to amaze me and I believe he was one of NHS's most beloved "shiniest pennies" who radiated confidence, strength and fortitude in any and all situations. He was truly heaven sent for God so loved the world He honored us with the most incredible life of such a wonderful man. Rest in peace, Wes, and always know you will be loved, thought of and cherished for many, many years to come.
In Christ's Name,
Susie (Pasierb) Upton
Sandra Musgrave (Beasley)
Wes was one of the first people that I met when I moved to Norman in 10th grade. He was nice and friendly and funny and so cute. He was the first person that I ever slow danced with, it was to "angie". Wes will never be forgotten - he was amazing.
Steve Burleson
I got to know Wesley sometime beginning in the 7th grade i think it was. He went to Falls Creek with all of us who attended
To this day, I can vividly recall all us young teen boys at the First Baptist Church cabin at Falls Creek. At bed time, the adult men would tell everyone to hush up and get some sleep. Seconds later after everyone got quiet, everyone waited for Wesley to do something. Low and behold Wes would begin a funny impersonation of the famous actor James (Jimmy) Stewart., (or at least we thought so) Everyone would bust out laughing all over again. These are precious memories I will never forget. I recall a thousand times of funny memories and hanging out. Also does anyone recall the famous monkey impersonation that Wes would do was always great for laughs??…
Wes had a way with making people feel comfortable. No doubt about that. I have no doubt that Wesley Lee is bringing smiles and joy in heaven. Bless you Wesley. Thank you for all you did for me back in our younger years. I hope his family reads of the joy and happines that Wes gave to everyone.
Steve R. Burleson
Scott Winters
Wes was a great guy. I didn't interact with him much but was stunned as I spoke the other day with Gordon Mohon about Wes's passing. I really feel for his family and close friends. My prayers are with you - all.
A story that a few might remember dates back to West Mid-High - 10th grade. We both had Mr Gore for Geometry. Everyday...from the back of the room...as the "vertically challenged" Mr. Gore took roll, Wesley would ask...."Where's Mr. Gore?" If Wes forgot to ask, we would remind him.
And I do remember the monkey face. I think its in our West 9th or 10th grade yearbook.
Rest in peace, brother. God be with you.