Monday, January 12th, 2015
Lenis Marsee
Lenis M. "Pete/Red" Marsee, 90, Rockford, died at 9:20 a.m. Jan. 9, 2015, on his birthday, at Colonial Nursing Center, Rockford.
He was born Jan. 9, 1925, in Speedwell, Tenn., to McKinley and Cora Ethel Tinnel Marsee. On Dec. 31, 1945, he married Freda Poteete, who died Jan. 16, 2005.
Surviving are a daughter, Debra Marsee, Rockford; a brother, Roy (Dorothy) Marsee, St. Marys; and three sisters, Tommy June Southard, Crestview, Fla., Emma Lou Cain, Panama City, Fla., and Carolyn (Rollie) Custer, Homosassa, Fla.
Also deceased are a brother, Carlos Marsee, and two sisters, Cleo Mayes and Freddie Mae Callow.
He moved to Rockford in 1945. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, a member of the 95th Infantry Division, and a lifetime member of Eichar De Curtins Post 5713, Celina.
He was a supervisor at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, St. Marys, where he retired after more than 42 years of service. He will be best known for sharing vegetables from the abundance of his garden, riding his bicycle around town and being a handyman to his neighbors.
Services are noon Thursday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, Pastor Mark Rutledge officiating. Burial will follow at noon Friday at Yoakum Cemetery, Speedwell, Tenn., with the VFW providing military services.
Calling is 10 a.m.-noon Thursday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be left at www.ketchamripley.com.
