Roderick Devin Lee

Roderick Devin Lee, 53 of West Lafayette, Indiana passed away on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana from complications of Sepsis.

Rod was born on October 23, 1964 in Thomas Oklahoma to Jerry and Marilyn (McCaskey) Lee. Rod was married to De Anna (Horton) Lee on March 15, 2012.

Rod graduated from St John High School, in St John, Kansas in 1983. He received his Associate in Arts from Hutchinson Community College in 1985, obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Kansas State in 1987, his Masters of Science in 1989 and PhD in 1992 from the University of Nebraska.

Rod's career was in the agriculture industry as a plant geneticist obtaining many patents for his hard work. To Rod, the job name was too uppity, his achievements were no big deal and hardly ever used his Doctorate designation. His was humble man who did not brag about himself, only about his daughters, wife and family.

As a dad, Rod always loved to tell his girls "love you more, love you best, love you FANTASTICO" before bed or over the phone when they weren't together. He made sure they kept their elbows off the table while eating and to always say "please" and "thank you." Countless times did he and girls watch Spongebob Squarepants together while eating pizza and drinking Dr. Pepper in a hotel room when he would come to visit. Despite not being able to be close to his girls, he always made sure to send cards for birthdays and holidays and to call them to make sure that they knew that he loved them very much.

Rod had the best laugh - loud and contagious. His smile always made people feel welcome and that they were a friend. Rod enjoyed reading, sports, playing cards, many outdoors activities - hunting, fishing, gardening and especially loved watching his daughters' athletic events. Rod was ornery and wouldn't miss an opportunity to play a joke or to tease family or a friend. His father taught him so many valuable skills - hunting, fishing, farming, construction, welding, plumbing and mechanics that Rod was often referred to as MacGyver. There are so many things that could be said to describe Rod, he was special and loved by many.

Rod was preceded in life by his paternal grandparents Marion and Katherine Lee from Hennessey Oklahoma and his maternal grandparents Meritt and Ruth McCaskey from Longdale, Oklahoma.

Rod leaves behind his wife, De Anna, daughters from his previous marriage, Josie, Erin and Julia Lee, stepsons John and Tim Overton, his parents Jerry and Marilyn Lee, brother Todd and Jami (Benton) Lee, nephews Devin, Dylan and JT Lee, his niece Katie Lee and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Due to the holidays, Rod's celebration of life will be held at 2 pm, Saturday January 6, 2018 at the Elm Grove Community Church in Chester, Oklahoma. 53502 S County Rd 226, Chester, OK 73838

Memorials for Rod can be directed to: Rod Lee Memorial c/o Wells Fargo NA, 1000 N Main Street, Monticello, IN 47960