Donald Edward

Lee

Donald Edward Lee, age 93, passed away on October 21, 2026 in Murrieta, California. He was born on April 12, 1933 in Los Angeles, California to Charles and Blanche Lee. Don attended South Gate High School and worked as a lifeguard at the South Gate pool where he met the love of his life and future wife, Mabel. Don served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as an Electrician’s Mate while stationed on Guam. Following his honorable discharge, he came home and married his girl in 1954. Don and Mabel had four children: Karen, Don Jr., Gary, and Monica.

Don was a loving husband, father, and grandfather of ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Like his wife, family meant everything to him. He was gentle, caring, and loving, while teaching his children the life values that enabled them to become responsible adults. Don was a talented artist, and was able to use his love of art to support his growing family by designing and painting beautiful signs from the 1950s to 1972, after which time he started his own sign business. In 1997 Don sold his business and he and Mabel moved to Murrieta. They both realized retirement wasn’t for them, so they began working for the Murrieta School District. Don continued working until he was 80, again providing an excellent example for his descendants of the rewards a good work ethic produces in life.

As a devout Roman Catholic, Don loved his faith very much and dedicated his time and efforts to supporting his church. After caregiving for his beautiful and beloved wife until her death, Don began attending daily Mass as long as he physically could.

Don is survived by his four children, their spouses, three generations of grandchildren, and his younger brother’s daughter, who felt as if Don was like a father to her. Don had a loving and respectful demeanor and a wonderful sense of humor. The outpouring of love from extended family, friends, and the staff at WellQuest where Don and Mabel lived has been astounding and has comforted the hearts of his grieving family. Don will be deeply missed and will always be in our hearts and memories.

A rosary will be held at St. Martha Catholic Church at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral Mass on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. The address is 37200 Whitewood Rd, Murrieta, CA. Following the Mass, a memorial service will be held at the Riverside National Cemetery at 2:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to Tunnel to Towers.