In Memoriam: Dick Lee
Memorials suggested to Hatesohl-Lee Agricultural Journalism Fund for Excellence, care of MU CAFNR,
2-4 Agriculture Building,
Columbia, MO 65211.
UPDATE: Some of Dick Lee's friends and former students recently gathered on the bluffs of the Missouri River to remember and honor this agricultural journalism legend. Lee was welcomed posthumously into the Monticello Society at the society’s annual brunch on April 30, 2011, at the Les Bourgeois Winery.
Richard L. “Dick” Lee, 85, University of Missouri professor emeritus and former director of Extension and Agricultural Information and the MU Agricultural Journalism program, passed away in his sleep early in the morning on March 3.
Dick was born to Rose Dodge and Virgil Lee in Purdin, Mo., on Nov. 18, 1925. During World War II, he served on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. Following his return from the war, he earned a bachelor’s in agriculture and a master’s in journalism from the University of Missouri, then his doctorate in mass communications from the University of Iowa.
Dr. Lee joined the University of Missouri College of Agriculture as an assistant agricultural editor in January 1954 then was named agricultural editor, Extension and Agricultural Information, in 1959. He served in this capacity until his retirement in 1988.
He continued to work part time for the MU Commercial Agriculture program through 2009. He was academic adviser to a myriad of MUagricultural journalism students and continued as mentor in their careers. He also served as president of the Agricultural College Editors (ACE) 1967-68.
Dr. Lee is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara; a daughter, Leslie; a son, Christopher; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister, Helen, and brother, Bill.
According to his wishes, he was cremated and there will be no services.
