Lee Priebe of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Thursday evening, December 17, 2009, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital at the age of 81 years.

Lee Priebe was born on June 17, 1928, in Nardin, Oklahoma, to William F. and Mary W. (Bontz) Priebe. He grew up near Nardin attending Oak Grove School. At the age of nine he moved with his family to Colorado where he continued his education at Beaver Creek School. In 1943 he was confirmed into the Lutheran Church. In 1947 he graduated from Rifle Colorado High School. In 1949 he returned to Oklahoma and attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. He married Nancy L. Tolle on August 25, 1950, in Nardin, Oklahoma. He entered the United States Navy on February 14, 1952, and served in both the Navy and Naval Reserve until his discharge on February 13, 1960. He farmed for most of his life and also worked as the branch manager in Braman for the Blackwell Coop and for Kay County District #3. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell where he served on several committees and as an usher. He also served on the Kay County Farm Services Committee. He worked as a volunteer for the Cherokee Strip Chapter of the American Red Cross and served on the board of directors for Associated Charities. He enjoyed bowling and served as secretary of the Blackwell Bowling Association and other leagues for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Priebe of Blackwell, Oklahoma, his brother, Neal Priebe of San Francisco, California; and a sister, Margaret Priebe of Gowen, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Roland Priebe.

Services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 21st in the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Kristen L. Brown officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Nardin, Oklahoma.

Serving as casketbearers will be Joe Clarke, Cal Clarke, Les Cartwright, Mark Valentine, Dean Hall and Larry Davis. The Friendship Sunday School Class will serve as honorary casketbearers.

A memorial has been established with the First United Methodist Church Men's Breakfast or the Blackwell Youth Bowling Association in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.