Wayne J. Lee
Wayne Jack Lee, age 77, of Arapahoe, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026, at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, following a long and courageous struggle with serious health complications.
Wayne was born on December 10, 1948, in Sacramento, California, to Ben Thun Lee and Sun Ho Fong Lee. He entered the world alongside his twin brother, Dean Jack Lee. Wayne and Dean shared far more than a birthday; they shared an extraordinary lifelong bond. From childhood forward, the twins were nearly inseparable.
Dean meant the world to Wayne, and the loss of his twin in 2022 left an emptiness that could never truly be filled.
Wayne grew up in Sacramento alongside Dean and their siblings, Rose, and May. He later married Sandra L. Lee on April 28th, 1972. Together, Wayne and Sandra built a life centered upon family, perseverance, and devotion to those they loved. Their journey with the Army eventually took them from California to Indiana, Guam, North Carolina, Colorado, Kansas, and later to Arapahoe, Nebraska.
Wayne entered Military service, enlisting in the Army on March 1962. After earning his bachelor’s in criminal justice, he was promoted to CW3 with the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command and retired from service honorably in February 1993. He went on to retire again from his role as an insurance fraud investigator in his civilian life.
Beyond the hardships of his final illness, Wayne’s life was defined by the people he loved, the experiences he shared with them, and the memories he leaves behind. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence helped shape generations of his family.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Sandra L. Lee; his children, Erick (Maranda) of Arapahoe, NE, Barbara Davis of Idaho, FurBabies Gracie and Bella; his grandchildren, Elena, John, Wayne II (aka Little Wayne), Alexandra, Kristian, Brodie (Kota) and Brendan; his great grandchildren, Jade and Flor, Jaycub, Jaxson, and Vallyire; his siblings, and nieces and nephews Cheree, Bradford, Megan, and Gary, plus other numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben Thun Lee and Sun Ho Fong Lee; his twin brother, Dean Jack Lee; Sisters Rose, Lilly, Elaine, and his brother Jack and his beloved Fox Wire Terrier, Katie.
Wayne’s family takes comfort in imagining the twins reunited once again—together as they had been throughout so much of their lives.
Erick invited everyone to a “Going Away Party” for Wayne that was held between 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 at Lee’s Café in Arapahoe, NE. Given his status as a Veteran, burial was held Tuesday, October 13th at 11:00 am at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery, with Full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for memorials that will be donated to various Veteran organizations. These may be given to or sent to Garey Funeral Home, at 652 Main Street, Arapahoe, NE or dropped off at Lee’s Crossroads Café in Arapahoe, NE.
Wayne’s family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, caregivers, and everyone who offered prayers, encouragement, and positive energy during his illness.
Their compassion and support brought strength and comfort during an extraordinarily difficult time.
Wayne fought with courage until the end. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
