Vietnam has claimed another hero. My beloved husband of 28 years, Donald Wayne "Shadow" Lee, went to join our Lord on December 3, 2024, at 16:46CT at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE. He was 77. I was blessed to be by his side as he crossed over. Shadow fought his entire adult life against the ravages of Agent Orange, a slow painful service-connected death. He was a true warrior who fought until the end. He was extremely proud of his service in the USAF where he honorably served three tours (1967-1971) as USAF security force / specialized K9 handler in Vietnam.

Donald was born August 24,1947 in Greeley, Colorado to Elmer Edward Lee and Shirley Jean Davis. The family moved to Kearney Nebraska in his mid-teens. He graduated from Kearney High. During those years and after high school he worked on an area ranch, where he furthered his amazing ability to work with animals.

His younger sister, Patty, spoke of her memory of him, as "a quiet boy, kind of a loner, not involved in many school activities. But he had a heart of gold. In the summer months he would take me swimming, crawdad hunting, we just hung out some days. He was a good brother, never complained about having to take care of me."

In 1967 he enlisted in the USAF where he was able to combine his love of law enforcement with his love of dogs. He regularly spoke with deep love and respect of his dogs he served with, especially the 13 dogs lost in battle. A decorated highly trained soldier who served three tours until 1971. During his time there, he performed extensive special missions with his dogs. As Masterblaster, he made HALO (High altitude low opening) jumps with his dog. He was a POW for 28 days, but thankfully escaped during transfer to Hanoi. His accomplishments are too numerous to list. He loved his work with his dogs as well as his comrades in arms.

After his tour of duty, he returned to Ft Collins, Colorado. He worked with the Sheriff's department and assisted in Search and Rescue. He pursued a degree in psychology.

Riding his beloved Harleys, he traveled the country extensively. Perhaps the most impactful of his travels led him to Wyoming where he worked outreach with the Arapahoe Native American veterans as well as to New Mexico where he worked with Apache Native American veterans. During this time, he gained deep wisdom and perspective as the veterans helped each other. This stayed with his entire life.

Again, he returned to Ft Collins, Colorado. He continued his work with veterans, worked as a gunsmith and was active in the motorcycle community. He also continued his travels on his Harley. Since he and I were often at the same events our paths crossed numerous times, then one fateful swap meet, our stars aligned. We both knew we had found our soulmate. On June 27,1996, we were married at The Chapel of Love in Las Vegas, NV. We lived in Colorado in Lafayette, Ft Morgan, and Julesburg. Then in North Platte, Nebraska.

We shared many adventures, faced many obstacles, but through it all our love conquered all. We were meant to be. He was truly an incredible man. Together, with our love for each other, and our shared interest for dogs, horses, Harleys, rodeo, hunting, shooting, and camping, and the outdoors, we spent so many happy years. Throughout our marriage we had numerous animals, but our dogs and horses were always a beloved and vital part of lives. We truly were soulmates. We conquered every battle together. Although I miss him to my very core, I am confident that he is in the loving care of Our Lord. He was a wise, thoughtful, intelligent, loving man with a heart of a warrior and a deep love of life. He was truly one of a kind. I am so thankful for our time together. There are not enough words to express the depth of our love. Thank you, Lord, for our time together. I will carry him in my heart forever.

Donald and Andrea are members of St Patrick's Catholic Church in North Platte, Nebraska. He had been being cared for at St John's Nursing home in Kearney and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to St James Catholic Church in Kearney who provided ministry to him.

Survivors include wife, Andrea June Lee; sister Patty Lee Greenwood and her family: HJ, James, Jennifer (Dominic, Mary, Alice) and Colin; children of deceased sister Nancy: Brandon (and his 3 children), and Stephanie.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Lee Gregory; father, Elmer E Lee; sister Nancy Lee Birkmann.

A funeral mass will be held at St Patrick's Catholic Church in North Platte on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. all are welcome. Donald will be interred at a later date at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00-4:00 P.M., Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Memorials are requested to help Andrea offset costs and expenses.