Kristopher M. “Sumo” Lee, Sr., 50, of Galion, was born in Hudson, Michigan, and passed away on November 28th at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, with his wife, Misty Lee (Oswalt), faithfully by his side.

Born to Mary Lee (Rosencrantz), Kris was raised by her with the love and guidance of his stepfather, Milo Bridges, during his early childhood, and was later adopted by David Lee, who embraced him as his own son.

In his teenage years, Kris became part of a special close knit group of friends known as “The Black Rose.” What began as a bunch of kids running around together, spending long hours talking, laughing, and playing endless games of spades and hacky sack, grew into a true lifelong brotherhood. The bond they formed back then never faded, and Kris carried a deep loyalty, pride, and love for those friends for the rest of his life.

Growing up, Kris shared a close bond with his sister, Karolyn. He later became a strong and positive male figure in the lives of her children Brittany, Donavon, and Alex, always offering support, encouragement, laughter, and plenty of shenanigans.

Kris found the love of his life when he met Misty. The two were perfectly matched, both stubborn, quick witted, and armed with a sarcastic humor that made their bond unforgettable. They were married on October 22, 2004, and built a life filled with laughter, love, and joy while raising their two sons, Kristopher Lee Jr. and Kevin Lee, who were the pride of Kris’s life.

Kris’s greatest joy and happiest memories in life centered around him being a dad. He loved his sons, Kristopher Jr. and Kevin, with all of his heart and took immense pride in watching them grow, learn, and achieve their milestones. Whether it was fishing trips or simply sharing laughs at home, Kris was always there, guiding, teaching, and supporting them with love. He celebrated their successes and comforted them in tough times. His proudest moment ever was watching his boys graduate, a milestone that filled him with overwhelming pride and joy. Some of his most treasured times were spent fishing with his boys at Charles Mill Dam and in Fredericktown, peaceful moments, big laughs, and the simple joy of being together.

You could almost always catch Kris on the CB radio, talking, laughing, and making friends in every direction. On the airwaves, he was proudly known as “Pimp Daddy Sumo,” and when he was talking skip, they knew him as “111 Needlebender from the Buckeye With The Wave.”

Kris didn’t just use radios, he worked on them. People from all over would bring him their CBs so he could tinker with them, repair them, and “tweak” them just right. If Kris worked on your radio, you knew it would perform better than it was ever intended.
He also loved fishing, cars, teasing friends and family, playing euchre and other card games, enjoying a good joint, cheering on the Michigan Wolverines, and making his famous dill dip, which was always a favorite at gatherings.

Kris especially loved betting $20 with his sister Karolyn on the Michigan/Ohio State games, keeping their rivalry lively with playful smack talk from kickoff to the final whistle.

He had a lifelong love for his Camaro, which he raced up and down Park Ave in his younger days. Even after tearing it down, he held onto his dream of restoring it “someday.”

Kris shared a special bond with his great niece, Alexandria (Ally) Garvar. Her smile lit up his world, and he cherished every moment they spent playing together.

Kris was known for his strong will, big heart, and the kind of humor that could brighten even the hardest days. To his family, he was a protector, a fighter, and a steady source of strength. His legacy will live on in the stories, laughter, and love he leaves behind.

Kris is survived by his wife, Misty Lee, and his sons, Kristopher Jr. and Kevin. He is also survived by his stepfather, Milo Bridges, and his siblings: Karolyn (Terry) Myers, Sandra (Billy) Bryant, Viola Bridges, Vandi (Larry) Coffindaffer, Tai Gustman, Lisa Grant, Danielle Meisel, and David Miller. He is further survived by his father-in-law and siblings-in-law:
Patrick Shoemaker Sr., Patrick (Julia) Shoemaker Jr., Craig Shoemaker, Blair (Bobby) Sprague, and Cody (Ashlee) Shoemaker. Additional survivors include his nieces and nephews:
Brittany (Tyler) Garvar, Donavon Sigler, Alex (Roxy) Sigler, Jacob Myers, Patrick Thomas, Kaytlyn Reinhardt, Brittanie Bigler, Mariah (Elijah) Shaffer, Kenneth Jr. and Samantha Becker, Dryden and Alyssa Shoemaker, Kelcey, Silas, and Annabella Haynes, Madilynn Snyder, and Taylor Snyder and his great nieces and nephews: Kasen and Kolten Myers, Ivy Sigler, Alexandria (Ally) and Lincoln (Link) Garvar.

Kris was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lee, his father, David Lee, his grandmother, Betty Rosencrantz, and his mother-in-law, Cheryl Shoemaker.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday December 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society, 9 Chambers Rd, Ontario, OH 44906. Reverend Milo Johnston will officiate. Visitation will be held from 2:00PM-3:00PM.

Kris’s presence will be deeply missed, but the love he gave and the memories he created will continue to live on in all who knew him.
He may be gone, but somewhere, somehow, he’s still making friends on the CB and teasing everyone in heaven just like he did here.

GoFundMe: Those wishing to support Kris’s family during this difficult time may contribute via GoFundMe:
Relief for the Lee Family in Their Time of Grief

Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society

Website: www.ohiocremation.org