Lee J. Lare, 94, of Venedocia, died at 3:42 a.m., Wednesday at the CHP Inpatient Hospice Center in Van Wert. He was born on August 2, 1921, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of the late Ray Elbert and Nora Lee (Barker) Lare. On July 12, 1944, he married the former Marcile Millisor who preceded him in death on April 15, 1998. Family survivors include two daughters, Marilyn (Doug) Strickler and Gloria Leiter, both of Venedocia; seven grandchildren, April (Brian) Ellerbrock, Todd (Lisa) Wallace, Stepheanie Beck, Christopher Beck, Ryan (Becca) Strickler, David Beck and Deena (Ryan) Becher; and seven great grandchildren, Dillon, Dalton, Bailee, Emma, Ryan, Briggs and Addison. Besides his parents and wife, Lee was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Christy Decker, a brother, Cloyd E. Lare; a sister, Helena Marie Weaver; and a son-in-law, Michael McClelland Leiter. Lee was postmaster at the Venedocia Post Office for over 20 years. He was the last Venedocia Postmaster to received a Presidential appointment. Previously he had worked at parts manager for several automobile dealerships. He was a member of Salem Presbyterian Church where he was Chorister for many years. He served in the U.S. Nary during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Sampson and retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve with 30 years of service. He served on the Venedocia Village Council and as Clerk-Treasurer. He was on the Van Wert County Hospital Commission for 23 years and was instrumental in starting the Van Wert County Regional Planning Commission. He served on the committee for the consolidation of Lincolnview School District. Lee was a member of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary and Harvey Lewis Post #346 of the American Legion at Ohio City. He was a longtime member of the Venedocia Lions Club serving as president and in other offices. For over 40 years he was on the Venedocia Horeb War Memorial Park Trustees. He was also a member of Shanes Lodge No. 377, F. & A.M., Scottish Rite of Ft. Wayne, Mizpah Shrine, and the Mizpah Shrine Horse Patrol. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 17, 2016, at Salem Presbyterian Church in Venedocia with Rev. Thomas Emery officiating. The will be calling one hour prior to the service at the Church. Preferred memorials are to the CHP Inpatient Hospice Center or the Salem United Presbyterian Church.