Kenny Lee

Kenny Lee
September 21, 1946 ~ June 10, 2024

A brain tumor felled Kenny Lee and he died on June 10, 2024. Yet his heart never faltered. He was a very kind and compassionate man; an extraordinary father; and a person loved by many. Ken went out of his way to be helpful to others, even strangers. He was a humble person. He was also quite accomplished.

Kenny Lee was born on Sept. 21, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the second of three children of Helen and Larry Lee, Jr.

Kenny was a trailblazer, athlete, war hero, leader, and world traveler. In the 1950s, Kenny was one of very few Asian American child actors. He performed in the musical “The King and I” and in the comedy “The Teahouse of the August Moon.” While in the shows’ national touring companies he traveled twice across the United States.

A gifted athlete, Kenny was voted the outstanding back on Brooklyn’s Erasmus Hall High School football team. He was a running back on the Kansas Wesleyan University football team until a knee injury ended his career. Kenny won or placed in eight Salina Y racquetball competitions. He finished twenty half marathons and was delighted that he and his daughter Jeni were both finishers at the 2006 New York City marathon.

After he graduated KWU in 1969, Kenny was drafted into the United States Army. Serving in Vietnam – a 360° war without a front or rear – he was especially vulnerable as an Asian American because he could be mistaken for the enemy. Yet, Kenny was awarded two bronze stars for valor. The citation reads, “Under mortar, rocket propelled grenades, and machine gun fire - through his timely and courageous actions, Private Lee was instrumental in thwarting the enemy attack. He continued to keep himself exposed to additional enemy fire while assisting several of his wounded comrades into MEDEVAC helicopters.”

After receiving his master’s in physical education from Springfield College, Kenny returned to Salina and worked in the United States Postal Service. Kenny was proud of his 33-year career at the USPS. He worked his way up to Postmaster and was beloved by his colleagues.

After retirement Kenny traveled extensively. Mostly by cruise ship, except for Antarctica, he voyaged to all continents and toured more than 40 countries.

Kenny is survived by his daughter, Jeni Lee-Peterson, his son-in-law, Roman Peterson; his ex-wife Lee Ann Burwell; his estranged wife Susan Burt; his stepchildren, Spencer Burt, Emily Helm and Marieke Goates, and their families; and by his older brother, Larry Lee III, younger sister, Laurie Lee, and their families.

A celebration of Kenny’s life will be held at First Southern Baptist on Oct. 18th, 2024 at 11am with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to KWU Alumni or Salina Animal Shelter, 329 North 2nd St, Salina Ks. 67401.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas