October 24, 1941 – March 29, 2024
Darren R. Lee, 82, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Born on October 24, 1941, in Vernal, Utah, he loved tinkering with electronics and cars and carried that joy throughout his life.
As an adult, he served in the US Air Guard specializing in electronics after which he married Arlene LeBaron and welcomed four sons into the world. After they parted ways, he married Jolayne Killian and became the father to three more daughters.
He spent many years proudly working as a miner and moved quickly up to be a Mine Safety and Health Administration government mining inspector, even working through a near-death cancer diagnosis. When he retired, he started his own consulting company, training many other young miners around southeastern Utah. He continued offering consulting services up until about a year ago when it became too challenging for him physically.
He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting. He met many other hunters on the mountain who have become lifelong dear friends. He loved working in his yard and taking road trips to Oregon to visit his sons and their families. He was quick-witted, quietly generous, loved cooking new recipes, and made the best sourdough pancakes.
He is survived by his children, Vincent Lee (Stephanie) of Rogue River, Oregon; Thad Lee (Sandra) of Grants Pass, Oregon; Kevin Lee (Heidi) of Ashland, Oregon; Larenda Sherri Fackrell (Bryce) of Goshen, Utah; Sandi Lee of Moab, Utah; and Kristi Lee of Moab, Utah; as well as by 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by a grandson, Chastin S. Hines; son, Shawn Lee; and beloved wife, Jolayne.
At Darren’s request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.
You may send tributes to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
