Lee E. Landes

Rear Admiral, Lee Everett Landes, USN (retired) Age 93, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 23, 2018. He was predeceased by his first wife Sue; his sons, Stephen and George and son-in-law, Theodore (Ted) Sinkewiz. He is survived by his wife, Teddi; foster daughter, Marion Sinkewiz; stepchildren Marlyss Scholl (Tom) and Mark Cutshall (Debi); grandchildren Benjamin, Gwenyth, Alex (Caitlyn), Andrew, Erin (Kevin), Charles (Ilse), Liesa (Frank), Daphne (Michael), John (Mary), Steven, Vaughn and five great-grandchildren. Born in New York City, March 17, 1924, Lee enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman in the U. S. Navy (1942) while he was a student at Union College, Schenectady, NY. He went on active duty (V-12) under instruction in 1943 and received his Bachelor’s degree in economics and industrial management in February 1944; he was commissioned an Ensign in August 1944. After 4 ½ years of active service, he entered the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration and received an MBA in 1949. He was recalled to active duty (1951-1953) during the Korean War. During this time, he began his employment with the Ford Motor Company until his retirement in 1980. While a Ford Motor employee, he received their highest award, the Bronze Bell. An active Naval Reservist, he was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1973 and retired in 1979. Lee was also a member of many military organizations including the Naval Reserve Association, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was especially proud of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corp, a program that gives young people, ages 10 to 18 hands on experience and training in the sea-going military services, U.S. naval operations, community service, citizenship and an understanding of discipline and teamwork. He received commendations from the Secretary of the Navy, from the Commandant of the Ninth Naval District, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency and the Legion of Merit medal from the President of the United States. Lee was always active in community affairs and gave generously of his time and encouragement to many organizations. After the death of their son, George, killed by a drunk driver, Lee and his first wife, Sue, organized chapters of MADD across Michigan. He was elected to MADD’s national board and led the successful campaign for three new comprehensive anti-drunk driving laws in Michigan. He helped form the Prevention Network, for substance abuse prevention organization and served on its Board. He also helped establish the Prevention Council (PREVCO) and the Michigan Victim Alliance. Family, friends and others whose lives Lee touched are invited to the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI to reminisce, share and support each other. Visitation is from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Friday, February 2, 2018. His memorial service follows at 7:00 pm. with the Rev. Douglas Vernon officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps or The Michigan Humane Society. Please share a memory of Lee on his Tribute Wall.