Richard "Rusty" D. Lee

       Richard “Rusty” D. Lee, age 70, of Michigan City, IN, passed away on May 3, 2026.  He was born on September 19, 1955, in Chesterton, IN to Richard George and Valerie (McLeod) Lee, both of whom preceded him in death.

       On September 13, 2014, at their home in the Pines, he married the second love of his life, Sandra Johnson Lee, who survives.  He is also survived by his loving children: Richard D. (Samantha) Lee Jr. of Michigan City, IN and Tayshia (Shon) Morales of Michigan City, IN; his stepchildren: Rebecca Moores of Toledo, OH and James M. Smith of Westville, IN; his treasured grandchildren: Kayla, Taylor, Zoe, Sierra, Sarah, Alexandria, Phoenix, David, and Benjamin; his adoring great-grandson, Lincoln; and by his siblings: Leslie Sheppard of Culver, IN, Laura Coppage of Westville, IN, and James (Louise) Lee of Chesterton, IN; and his beloved service dog, Maggie Mae.

       In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, William Lee, Valerie Lambert, and Susan Lee; and by his first wife, Letitia.

       Rusty proudly served his country in the United States Marines. He was an avid Cubs fan.  He loved camping and was a member of the American Legion in Michigan City and the DAV in Michigan City. Rusty will forever be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

       Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S 2nd St., Chesterton, IN.  Burial will follow at Winamac Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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