Claude Larue Lee

Claude LaRue Lee – Born February 26,1936 to Malcolm R. Lee and Evaline Lee in Wichita Kansas, died on August 23, 2021; at home in bed and asleep in the early morning hours. He is survived by his wife: Frances Manon Lee, son, Alan M. Lee, daughter, Ann M. E. Byers, Grandchildren: Marie Shellenberger (Ann/Jay), Kelsey A. Parker (Alan/Julie), Dillon M. Lee (Alan/Julie), and Paris Morrison (Ann/Jason). Great Grandchildren: Leo Parker (Kelsey/John), Cael McNally (Kelsey/Miles), Reggie McNally (Miles).

Claude attended Denver South High and graduated in 1954. He then attended Graceland College Iowa where he met his future wife (63 years) Frances. They both are members of Community of Christ Church. They are both lifelong members of that church. He then attended Wichita State University where he was active as Vice Chairman of Student Government Association and assisted writing and gaining approval for the SGA in 1958. He then continued his education and ultimately received his Juris Doctorate from Washburn Law School in Topeka Kansas (1959-1962). He practiced private law and eventually became an Administrative Law Judge (Wichita) for the State of Kansas Department of Labor. Eventually he would be appointed Chief of Appeals (Topeka) for unemployment compensation for the state. Ultimately he was appointed interim Secretary of the Department of Labor (Topeka) and retired in 2001. Claude was active in politics and a lifelong democrat who believed in fighting for the common good of all and the betterment of civil rights everywhere. Claude was involved in philanthropy through the Topeka Shriners. He also served on the Board of Directors for Valeo and the community resource program for around 3 decades. He served as Democratic chair for the 2nd district and as a democratic precinct committeeman for many decades. He received many awards including the Robert Brock lifetime achievement award from the Kansas Democratic Party. He was a good man and a loving husband and father, who shall be missed.

Honoring Claude's request, cremation is planned. A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Dove Cremations and Funerals – Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 440 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 or to The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508.

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