Robert E. Lees (Bob) passed away the morning of November 21, 2021, at Shenango on the Green in New Wilmington, PA after a lengthy health battle.
Bob was born in Sharon, PA on May 15, 1932, the son of Joe and Evelyn (Swogger) Lees.
He graduated from Sharon High School, and then went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in History from Grove City College. After a two year assignment as an Accounting Officer in the US Air Force, stationed mainly in the United Kingdom, he returned to western Pennsylvania, where he found both love and employment. Bob married Joan Cornelius on August 6, 1957, to whom he was married for more than 60 years until her passing in 2018. They lived primarily in New Castle, and later Hermitage. He taught for more than 30 years, starting in the Mount Jackson school system, which later became the Mohawk Area School District. Bob enjoyed reading, traveling, especially back to Great Britain, following Pittsburgh sports teams, and both historical and current events. He was an avid dog lover, and enjoyed the company of several terriers over the years.
In addition to his wife, Joan, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Evelyn Lees, an older brother, William, who died as a teen, his in-laws, John and Elizabeth Cornelius, and his brother-in-law, Wayne Cornelius. He
leaves behind to carry on his memory his sister-in-law, Jane Cornelius, his nephews Wayne (Erika) Cornelius and David (Dana) Cornelius, as well as several cousins, great nephews, and a great niece.
Bob’s wishes were to not have any memorial service, but asks that any donations in his memory be made to the Humane Society of the United States, or Angels for Animals.
Arrangements entrusted to Marshall Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
I am a 1967 graduate of Mohawk High School. I had Mr. Lees for ‘World Cultures’ as a sophomore.
Mr. Lees opened up history and culture to me in a new way. He helped set my historical interests and orientations for all my future work. I am a retired Presbyterian Church (USA) minister, having served as a Professor of Theology and Academic Dean at seminaries and as an Executive Editor for Theology and Reference for Westminster John Knox Press. My interests in historical theology and church history began with Mr. Lees’ classes and his keen interests in history. I consider him a very important person in my education, helping to set trajectories that have endured.
I spoke with him by phone a couple years ago; for which I am most grateful.
For the life of Robert E. Lees, I am immensely thankful!
Rev. Dr. Donald K. McKim (donmckim@comcast.net)
Germantown, TN 38138-6033