11/30/2015
John Edward Fee, age 90, of Hemet, Calif., formerly of Knoxville, passed away on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015.
As John wished, his body has been cremated and private graveside service will be held at a later date.
John was born on Sept. 30, 1925, in Des Moines, the son of Wilbur and Irma (Willetts) Fee. John’s mother passed away when he was seven and he then lived with his grandparents, Edward and Christina Willetts, until his teenage years. He graduated from Knoxville High School with the class of 1943.
John was inducted into the U.S. Army on Nov. 11, 1943. John served with the 75th Infantry Division seeing combat in Europe in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central European campaigns earning three bronze battle stars.
He also earned a Bronze star of meritorious service in combat at Grand Halleux, Belgium, on Jan. 15, 1945. Following his honorable discharge on March 12, 1946, he attended AIB College of Business, earning a two-year associate’s degree. After graduation, he joined his father-in-law, Charlie Ream, at the Ream Insurance Agency.
During his career he served as President of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and was active in Y’s Men’s and Rotary Club.
On June 30, 1946, John married Imogene Leona Ream, at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville, were they were members until they relocated to California. To this union eight children were born.
John retired in April of 1990. He and Imogene moved to Hemet, Calif., in May of that year. During his retirement years they took several cruises and he enjoyed wood crafting.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Irma ( Willetts) Fee; stepmothers, Opal (Glenn) Fee and Dolly Opal (Sheridan) Fisher Fee, one infant son, twin infant daughters and another infant daughter, daughter LuAnn Fee, sons-in-law Bloyce Davies, Jon Lenger and Dan Lennie.
John is survived by his wife of 69 years, Imogene Fee; children, Connie Lenger, Lori (Jeff) Sinnard of Knoxville, Roger (Annette Page) Fee of Indianola; Foreign exchange daughter, Georgia (Jorge) Quirch of Palentine, Ill.
Surviving grandchildren; Chad Davies, Adam Sinnard, Scott Fee, Joni (Lenger) Hannon, and step granddaughters; Toyna (Lenger) McDonald and Nicole Page; great grandchildren; Autumn Davies, Easton Hannon, Harley Fee, three great-children yet to be born; step great grandchildren, Halle, Colton, and Autumn Melody Crook. Also surviving is one half-sister, Gladys (Norman) Amsberry of Urbandale, and one half-brother, Ray (Mary) Fee of Bellevue, Neb.
A memorial in John’s memory has been established to Arbor Hospice, 890 W. Stetson Avenue, Hemet, CA 92543. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com . The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting John’s family with services.