Mr. Joseph Howard Lee, age 84 of Lebanon, KY, went to his heavenly home on December 20, 2015. He was born on August 29, 1931 in Lebanon.

Mr. Lee grew up in Greenbriar and farmed in Salleetown for almost 50 years until he retired in 2000. He was a lifelong resident of the Calvary community and member of Holy name of Mary Catholic Church, served as a Eucharistic minister, and was a Knights of Columbus member.

Howard started farming at age 15 with his first tobacco crop. Farming was not only a way of life for him, it was his passion. He loved the land and took great pride in it. His endeavor was to leave it better than he found it, and that he did. Howard was named Marion County Outstanding Young Farmer in 1962, Outstanding farmer in 1978 and Master Conservationist in 1970. He was a Farm Bureau Director, member of Marion County Cattlemen's Association, and a committee member of Southern States and Farm Services Agency.

Howard loved dancing and country music. He enjoyed this leisure passion up until his final days.

He was preceded in death by:
Parents: Joseph Herbert and Emma Newcome Lee,
Grandparents: Sherman and Mattie Newcome who helped rear him,
A brother: J.L. Lee and an infant brother.

Survivors include:
Devoted Wife of 64 years, Leona Mae Lee and Seven children who are forever grateful for all that he taught them by his example;
Five daughters: Nadine (Bob) Thompson of Louisville,
Sandra (Larry) Rice of Lexington,
Shirley (Jon) Sanchez of Lexington,
Ellen (Ken) Shackleford of Indianapolis,
Ann (Wayne) Mattingly of Versailles,
Two Sons: David (Kim) Lee of Denver, N.C.,
Perry (Renee) Lee of Elkhorn,
Two Sisters: Nora Symmers of Stone Mountain, GA,
Tootsie Wheatley of Campbellsville.
Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christine Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Bill Bowling with Deacon Joe Bland assisting.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Bosley Funeral Home with prayer services being held at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Augustine School, 236 North Spalding Ave, Lebanon or the Lexington Area Parkinson's Support Group.