Charles "Buddy" Lee

Charles “Buddy” Lee was born to Willie William and Stella Lee (Boyd) on July 28th, 1935 in McLouth, Kansas. He was the third son born, following big brothers Bill and Boyd (both deceased). His mother bringing home a "Charlie" was unheard of for brother Bill, who announced that he’d just call the baby our little "Buddy.” It stuck for life. The family also included two younger sisters June and Doris (both deceased). He married his high school sweetheart Bessie Daphene Buzbee (deceased) and they enjoyed 65 years together. Together they raised three children- Mike Lee (deceased), Vickie Dunafon (Doug) of Westmoreland and Valarie Stroble (Jim) of Spring Hill. Other direct family included three grandchildren- Jessica Corwin, (Salina) Jacob Corwin (deceased) and Justin Dunafon of Westmoreland. Three great grandchildren and two great greats. There are numerous adored nieces and nephews and greats from both sides of the family since Bud was one of 5 children and so was Daphene.

During the early days of raising his young family of three children, Kanopolis lake was a favorite haunt. We would run out during the hot summers on weeknights with Dad calling Mom at noon saying to have the kids get the boat ready, that he would be home early. We would get a sack of burgers from Griff's and head west. We always had a boat, a camper, bicycles and mini bikes. In the winter he made sure we had sleds, often pulling us and the neighborhood children behind his motorcycle. He played with us often with Mom joking that she had 4 kids since Bud was the biggest kid of all. We spent our weekends camping and teaching each of his children to water ski and putting the youngest child Valarie on his shoulders for a spectacular display. There was nothing Bud Lee couldn't do and do well.

Bud spent most of his life as a residential plumber in Salina, (Bud's Plumbing) but his claim to fame was his racing career. He and his brothers enjoyed racing cars and he began racing motocross at age 34, when most are retiring. He was a dedicated rider and practiced several times a week at Cycle Acres where he met many younger men and became their mentor. He helped and encouraged them along the way, taking some to a training camp with John Desoto (deceased) for him a dream come true. He was highly competitive, but believed in fair play. The motocross peer chosen Kansas state award for Sportsman of the year went to Buddy Lee five years running- a testament to his temperament. He was a smooth and fast rider winning many races against younger men. The motocrossers became an extended family and they often all enjoyed camping the night before a race at the tracks across the state and sometimes venturing out of state as well. Bud referred to them as the best of the best. After several biking injuries, he turned to racing cars and was successful at that as well. He was also a long-distance runner and completed two half marathons with his son Mike and daughter Vickie. He joined the mini-stock and dwarf car association, where he and Daphene made lifelong friends. His race car was "Betty Boop". After racing he took up Racquet Ball at the YMCA and had many years traveling to tournaments and was highly competitive in that sport as well making lifelong friends there as well. One of those special friends later introduced him to pickleball. Unfortunately, he was quite unstable due to the decay of his bones and he had to cut that short. He enjoyed watching his daughter Vickie and son in law as well as his nephew in law Robert play and cheered them on.

He leaves behind many friends, family and fans who came to his aid during his 12-year battle with cancer. It takes a village to support one another in good times and bad and he found out how well-loved and admired he was during this last journey.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 11, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 255 S. 7th St., Salina.

Donations may be made to the Salina Animal Shelter, sent in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.