LEE, Melody Ann "Mel", 60, TSgt (ret), Kansas Air National Guard, passed away July 1, 2020 after suffering a stroke.  She was born June 20, 1960 in Wichita, KS to Charles and Lucilla (Cathy) Lee.

Mel graduated from Wichita West High School in 1978.  Mel's passion was sports, where she excelled in fast pitch softball and played at a semi-pro level.  Her competitive spirit proved to be an excellent trait throughout her life.  She joined the Kansas Air National Guard (KSANG/184th Fighting Jayhawks, Wichita, KS) in 1980 and served as a Crew Chief on the F-4 Phantom, F-16 Falcon, and B-1 Lancer.  She was a proud member of the 184th Jayhawk Softball and Bowling teams, in addition to River Festival tug-of-war and any other sports she could get into. Mel retired from the KSANG in 1996 and went on to her next career with Great Plains Industries (GPI) as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).  Mel graduated from Butler County Community College with her degree in Supply Management while working full-time.  Extending her expertise as a supply chain professional, she became the only one at GPI along with being one of the first in Wichita to obtain the certification in 2006.  She was a fierce Patriot and continued to give her all through the American Legion and Team Red, White and Blue.  Mel was a friend to all and never knew a stranger.  She had the ability to make anyone smile when she entered a room with her joyful personality, "never say never" attitude, and her spark of sarcasm.

Mel is preceded in death by her mother, Lucilla (Cathy) Lee, and her beloved fur-babies, SheBeau, Sheba, Orlando and Bourbon.  She is survived by her father Charles (Betty) Lee; brother Donald Lee; sister Carol (Buddy) Koehn; step brother Roger (Sharon) Lee; step sister Judy Lee; many, many extended family, friends and compatriots.

Family visitation will be July 7, 2020, Old Mission Funeral Home, 1-5:00 pm.  Service will be held July 8, 2020, 1:00pm with Military Honors, White Chapel Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Wichita Animal Action League and Kansas Honor Flight.