Robert Tex Lee

Robert “Bob” Tex Lee, 87, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of February 10, 2026.

Born on February 13, 1938, in Indianapolis, IN to Herbert and Marguerite Lee, Bob was deeply instilled with the values of hard work and commitment to family throughout his formative years. Around the age of ten, after school and on the weekends, he began working for his father at the first branch of Lee Supply Corp. located on Madison Avenue in Indianapolis. Bob continued to work alongside his father, seven siblings; John, Richard, Gary, Tom, Mike, Marianne, Patricia, and, eventually, his own sons; Chip and Bill. All the while, he became known for his strong determination to lead and grow the business in lasting and meaningful ways.

Over the decades to come, Bob forged strong relationships, built a dedicated team of employees, and worked tirelessly to secure a successful future for the business he loved. Through partnership with his sons, and unwavering support from his wife, Paula; daughter, Diane; and the rest of his immediate family, he came to be a trusted industry leader, strong decision maker, and steadfast friend and mentor to many. By the time of his death in 2026, Bob had enjoyed overseeing the growth of Lee Supply Corporation to 21 locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Beyond his work, Bob found great fulfillment in community involvement. He served for many years as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for The Dyslexia Institute of Indiana, contributed generously to The St Vincent de Paul Society of Indianapolis, and St Pius X Catholic Church, and was known for giving generously and freely of time, resources, talent, and enthusiasm to Christ the King Catholic Church summer festivals and the festival band by playing banjo and guitar in his younger days and, more recently, to countless Eagle Scout projects, Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby workshops, Catholic school campaigns, school sports programs, and anywhere else his assistance was requested.

Above all else, Bob was known as a beloved and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. On September 19, 1959, he was married to Suzanne Carrington. The couple was blessed in many ways but mostly in their love for each other and the births of their sons, William (Bill) and Charles (Chip).

Following Sue’s deeply sad and untimely death, Bob began a love story and partnership with Paula Von Tobel that would span the rest of his life. They were married on May 31,1974 and, together, Bob and Paula enjoyed 51 years of marriage, were blessed by the birth of their daughter, Diane, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. It was with his family that Bob found the most joy in life. In particular, he treasured memories made on annual boating trips to Lake Cumberland in Kentucky with Chip, Bill, and, later, Diane, travels to a variety of Caribbean Islands, Central America, and around the world with Paula, his children, their spouses, grandkids, and often, dear friends.

Though he didn’t have to travel far to get there, the very best of times in his memory were, undoubtedly, the days he spent captaining the Cup’O’Sloop with Paula and sharing Eagle Creek Sailing Club adventures together.

A lifelong hobbyist and tinkerer, Bob maintained what will always be remembered as “The Garage-Mahal”. If it couldn’t be fixed, upgraded, rebuilt, or restored by Bob in this space, it couldn’t be improved anywhere. His children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors are forever grateful for the time they spent alongside Bob as they watched, learned, and helped him work on their cars, motorcycles, Pinewood Derby cars, go karts, dirt bikes and more. Because he was not known for taking shortcuts through anything, whatever left Bob’s workshop did so in pristine condition. Many of these objects have become treasured family heirlooms over the years but none will ever hold more valuethan the time and energy he gave to those he welcomed into his home, his workshopand his heart.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Paula; his children, Bill (Joellen Parry), Chip (Dawn Ahern), Diane Kirschner; his beloved grandchildren, Jennifer, Billy (Juliana Orrego), Ali (Alex Clauser), Abi (Curtis Hastings), Hannah (Ryan Ogden), Zach, Caroline, Colin, and Aiden; his great-grandchildren, Addison, Colton, Adriana, Zara, Brock, Graham, Violet, and Chip; his brothers Richard, and Gary (Nancy); Craig and Cristine (Von Tobel) Anderson; and Joe and Alicia (Ohlrogge) Von Tobel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Marguerite Lee; previous wife, Suzanne (Carrington) Lee; brothers John (Martha), Mike, and Tom (Karen); sisters, Marianne (George Kirkhoff), and Patricia; brother-in-law John Von Tobel (Terry), and mother and father-in-law John and Marilyn Von Tobel.

On February 26, 2026, a visitation (10:00am to 12:00pm) and funeral Mass (12:00pm) will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Cemetery, 9001 Haverstick Rd, Indianapolis, IN, 46240, (317) 574-8898.

Though he passed quietly, the impact of Bob’s life resounds with strength and clarity in the family who cherished him, the industry he helped shape, and the community for which he cared. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered in our hearts until our spirits are joyfully reunited.