Burnell Dwayne Lee

Burnell Lee passed peacefully at his home Aug 2, 2018 in Meridian ID.

Burnell Dwayne Lee, 76, was born December 19, 1941 in Council, ID to Leslie Beryl Lee and Bessie Merle Slater of Weiser, ID.  The 3rd of 5 children.  Burnell was raised in Ontario and attended school there.  Burnell joined the National Guard right after High School.  He then attended Boise State University where he received his Masters in Education with an emphasis on Special Reading. Burnell met Connie Moser of Weiser while she was going to school in Boise.  They courted as they rode home with each other on weekends to see their families. They celebrated 52 years of marriage July 23rd, just before his passing.

Burnell taught 5th and 2nd grades for 13 years in the Meridian School District.  Many say he was the best teacher they knew.  He loved teaching and continued to teach in his church including Turning Point and other Personal improvement classes.  Burnell owned Lee’s Family Fireworks business for over 35 years.  He would pride himself in the lowest prices and best customer service.  Burnell had many sales jobs and was a finish carpenter for at least 26 years before he retired.

Burnell enjoyed motorcycles, dune buggies, sledding, gardening, telling jokes, being the entertainer of the group, and good hard work.  He loved to be outdoors and “The good old shows” is what you would find him watching on TV these last few years. He always had a smile and a laugh, even thru these last couple of years.

He enjoyed his 5-acre farm where he raised his 7 children, along with cows, pigs, and chickens.  He loved animals and along with the dogs and cats you would find most of the baby animals in the house.  His door was always open and many came to call his place home.

Burnell was a strong Christian man who lived his faith and loved his family.

Five years ago Burnell started showing signs of muscular weakness and loss of balance.   He was eventually diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.  He gradually needed assistance with most everything and he took everything in stride.  He accepted his diagnosis and let his family and friends help where they could.  He was appreciative of all the hours of service caring for him and his property, and for those who would visit regularly.  THANK YOU!

Burnell is survived by his wife Connie, their children Brian (Tegan), Janice (Neil) Christensen, Janell (Craig) Brown, Kathryn (Mike) Ross, Kevin (Nicole), Shawn (Celeste) and claim Brett (Katella) Saffery as their own.  Siblings Richard “Dick” (Linda), Delos (Barbara), Ron (Linda) and Karen (Hal) Samuelson Covill. Also survived are 29 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Burnell was preceded in death by his parents and oldest son Dennis.

Services will be Sat. Aug 11, 11:30am at the LDS church; 1985 N Black Cat Rd. Meridian with a viewing at 10am.