Lee Daily

Wilson Lee Gates Daily III, affectionately known as Lee, passed away on December 11, 2024, in Yamhill, Oregon, just days before his 93rd birthday. Born on December 20, 1931, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Lee was the beloved son of W. Lee Daily II and Ada Sontheimer.

On July 11, 1953, Lee married the love of his life, Patricia June Pope, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on August 25, 1954. Together, they built a life filled with love and dedication, raising four children who carry forward their legacy: Debi Coldwell (Bill) of Yamhill, OR, Rebecca Ramage (Ken) of Rigby, ID, Melanie Van Orman (Curtis) of Orem UT, and W. Lee Daily of Murray, UT.

Lee proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in France during the Korean Conflict. His life’s work was in data processing, a field in which he excelled while working for Quaker Oats, Echlin Corporation, the State of Idaho, and Salt Lake City Corporation.

A faithful and valiant member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lee dedicated his life to serving others. He served as Branch President in Ohio and Kansas and in bishoprics in Missouri, New Mexico, Idaho, and Utah. Over his lifetime, he completed four stake missions, served as a temple worker, and fulfilled numerous other callings, always exemplifying humility and unwavering faith.

Lee was a GREAT scoutmaster and Varsity coach. He took his scouts on a 50-mile hike and built canoes with his Varsity scouts, navigating the Green River for 3 days when he was 54 years old. Lee loved to camp, hunt, shoot and cheer for Alabama, Missouri, and BYU football! 

 Lee was the proud grandfather of Rick Coldwell (Aleesa), Genni Larson (Mike), Richard Ramage (Becky), Beth Ramage, Bradley, Matthew, Nicole, Nathan, and Camille Van Orman, and the adored great-grandfather of 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother Charles T. Daily and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved Patty, his parents, Lee, and Ada (died in 1934) and Geneva Richards, his sisters Kathleen Payne and Carolyn Garver, and his brother Richard Daily.

Lee’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his family, faith, and community. Whether celebrating milestones with his family or offering wise counsel, he left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His service to others and steadfast devotion to his faith will be cherished as a lasting example.

His family and friends will gather to honor his memory and celebrate his remarkable life on Friday, December 27th, 2024, at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home 495 South State Street, Orem, UT 84058

There will be a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Funeral from 11-12.

Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery

Lee’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and devotion. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

The family would like to express our appreciation to Aleesa Coldwell for her care of Dad in his final weeks of life. 

Condolences for the family can be expressed on this page. 

Lee Daily Livestream Funeral Service