Lee Foote

Lee Foote was a kind and loving man, known for his big heart, for his incredible sense of humor and his great love and faith in the Lord. His humorous personality won him many friends and he was always ready to contribute a story to enliven a gathering. Lee found happiness in many things, but nothing delighted him as much as spending time with his family and precious grandchildren.

1939 was a tumultuous year for many worldwide. After enjoying an all too brief period of peace following World War I, many watched in terror as Germany invaded Poland , thrusting the globe into World War II. Although it would be years before the neutral United States would officially become involved in the fighting, the fear of war occupied many Americans' minds. Despite the turmoil abroad, for Guy and Erma (Morris) Foote of Allegan, Michigan , there was reason to celebrate. They happily welcomed the birth of their son, Lee Roy, on August 14, 1939. He was the fourth of their seven children, though his oldest brother Karl died as a young child before Lee was born.

Lee had a typical childhood growing up on a farm in Otsego and being involved in Boy Scouts. His father earned a living as a farmer, as well as working at the paper mill in town. Lee was born legally blind and had to wear glasses from an early age. He began his education in the Otsego Public Schools but his parents decided he needed extra help with schooling and sent him to the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing for five years. Once in high school, Lee returned to attend Otsego High School , where he played football and graduated in 1959. He then went on to attend Michigan State University for two years, taking a short course in agriculture. After college, Lee began working on tenant farms. As a dairy farmer, he worked on several different farms, including that of Leon Dunning in Delton, Rancy Philman, and Don Johnson's farm in Battle Creek .

It was during this time that Lee met a pretty young gal named Linda Hill. They were set up on a blind date by Linda's cousin Myrna, who was dating Gordon, a guy Lee worked with. The two began dating and fell in love. They were happily married on October 7, 1961, and a little over a year later, they welcomed the birth of their first child, son David in August of 1962. He was followed by Diana in October of 1963, Larry in November of 1964, Karen in March of 1967, and Sandra in May of 1968. The Foote's household was a happy, yet busy place with five active children!

In 1966, Lee's life took a tragic turn when he was involved in a serious silage auger accident that ended his farming career. After his recovery, Lee moved his family to Plainwell, settling in a home at 876 110th Avenue . He soon found work at the Mac Simbar Paper Mill in Otsego (which became Rock Tenn ), where his father also once worked. Lee was a hardworking and dedicated employee at the paper mill for 34 years before retiring in 2000.

As parents, Lee and Linda were always working together for the common good of their family, making their primary goal to pass on their strong Christian values that would guide them through their lives, as well as a good sense of humor. The family attended the Cedar Creek Bible Church , where the couple was married, for many years before going to Wayside Chapel. They later became members at the Lighthouse Baptist Church , where they found great warmth and love among their church family. Lee played softball at each church and also coached. He was a board member at Tamarack Valley , a Christian campground and nature preserve. Lee loved camping here with his family. Faithful and devout, Lee loved to inspire others through the Word of God, which he himself so deeply believed in. He took several Bible study courses and began preaching at the local nursing homes.

Lee and Linda enjoyed spending time together, tending to their vegetable gardens, camping at Tamarack Valley and fishing at his favorite spot on Lower Crooked Lake in Delton. Lee also liked frogging and brought home many tasty legs for Linda to fry up. Aside from frog legs, Lee absolutely loved hot dogs and could eat them three meals a day. Going out to eat and trying new restaurants were also something Lee liked to do, though his favorite place was Old Country Buffet or any all you can eat place. A big Michigan sports fan, Lee rooted for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. A man of many talents, Lee was especially skilled in woodworking. Over the years, he made many precious pieces for his family, including a cradle for each of his children's first child. He also made his grandchildren rocking horses, chairs, little tables and chairs and doll cradles.

Lee's family was the shining beacon in his life and he was always in his glory, surrounded by the love and smiles of his grandchildren, whom he adored. He loved to get out his tractor and hook up the wagon, giving the grandkids rides all over the yard. Although truly loving, Lee's most endearing trait was his witty personality, which never ceased to amuse everyone around him. From his funny stories to non-offensive blonde jokes, which he collected, Lee loved to make people laugh. He would spend hours singing his "Hambone" song, randomly changing the verses to fit the at-hand situation. Lee lent his sense of humor and compassion to everyone around him and in doing so, brightened many lives. All who knew Lee will remember his generous spirit, his wonderful wit and laughter, and his strong Christian faith. He will be deeply missed.

Lee Roy Foote, age 65 of Plainwell, MI , died on Saturday, August 6, 2005. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Guy & Erma (Morris) Foote-Spohn, his brother, Karl Foote, his stepfather, Floyd Spohn, and nephew, Mike Hartwell. Members of Lee's family include his wife, Linda; his children: David & JoAnne Foote of Holland, Diana & Mike Blondell of New Mexico, Larry & Sandy Foote of Martin, Karen & Ken Fritz of Plainwell and Sandy Herring of Plainwell; 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; his brothers, Dale & Sharon Foote of Fountain, Jack & Joyce Foote of Plainwell; his sisters, Pauline & Ron Powers of Otsego, Betty & Jim Lutes of Houghton Lake, Jeri Hartwell of Howard City; and many nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Lee, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Monday, August 8, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel. Life Story funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9, at the Lighthouse Baptist Church . Please visit Lee's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Lighthouse Baptist Church Building Fund.