L.W. "Lee" Blind, 73, died June 22, 1999, at the Plum Ridge Special Care Unit in Klamath Falls. Cause of death was not given.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Davenport's Chapel of the Good Shepherd with Jim Hunter officiating.

Lee was born Nov. 21, 1925, in Bend to William and Amelia (Radke) Blind. He was raised and educated in Bend. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Force and served with the 447th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, stationed in England during World War II. He completed 29 missions as a ball turret gunner on a B-17. He received an honorable discharge as a staff sergeant in October 1945. After the war, he briefly returned to Bend before moving to Klamath Falls with his parents.

He married Rose Marie Dolan on Dec. 11, 1948. Mr. Blind worked a variety of jobs, including part-owner and operator of the Suburban Tavern, before working as a switchman for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He retired in 1985 after 32 years with the railroad. Lee loved camping and was an avid fisherman. After retiring, he and Rosie traveled and explored Oregon. His favorite spot was Lemola Lake, where they spent the most time during the summers. He also enjoyed hunting. Other hobbies included woodworking and playing cards with his family.

The real joy in his life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lee is survived by his wife, Rose Marie; son and daughter-in-law, William and Coral Blind of Klamath Falls; daughters and sons-in-law, Pennie Spackman of Portland, Janice Martin and Connie and Ray Lakey, all of Klamath Falls; grandchildren, Jack and Bob Spackman, Kevin and Mehri Lakey, Andy Lakey, Shane Martin and Shawn and Scott Blodgett; and three great-grandchildren, Michael Blodgett, Kaleb Lakey and Shayla Lakey.

At Lee's request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Plum Ridge Special Care Unit, 1401 Bryant Williams Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 or Alzheimer's Research Alliance of Oregon, P.O. Box 10051, Portland, OR 97210.