Wendell “Lee” Tackett, 72, Wabash, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 1:55 am, Thursday, March 9, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, surrounded by his family. He was born July 20, 1944, in Paintsville, Ky., to Cecil and Ora (Haney) Tackett.

Lee married Kathy Hampton in Wabash July 12, 1963. He retired from General Tire after 21 years and also owned Aunt Kathy’s Kitchen, both in Wabash. He was the former vice president of the United Rubber Workers Local 626, and he also served as President of the Retirees Group of the union, He was a member and head trustee at the Christian Heritage Church, and also was an ordained minister for several years. He loved serving the Lord. Lee was an avid Kentucky Wildcats fan, enjoyed being a vendor at the Farmer’s Market, playing golf, watching his grandchildren participate in sports and enjoyed a good debate. His greatest treasure was his family, and he loved his wife, children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Tackett of Wabash; two daughters, Lisa (Dave) Stone, Howell, Mich., and Amy (Dave) Cole, Wabash; five grandchildren, Jacob Lee Hinson, Fishers, Joshua D. (Traci) Hinson, Anderson, Jessica L. Hinson, Howell, Mich., Noah D. Cole, Wabash, and Kayla R. Cole, North Manchester; three great-grandchildren, Royce Hinson, Anderson, Kami Wheat and Kasen Cole,North Manchester; brothers and sister, Phillip (Sue) Tackett, Johnstown, Ohio, Cecil “Curtie” (Marlene) Tackett and Jane (Paul) Meade, Paintsville, Ky.; in-laws, Kenneth Wright, Louisa, Ky., Chris (Frank) Barber, St. Joseph, Miss., and Hannah Tackett, Chillicothe, Ohio; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Willis Tackett, and sister, Alma Wright.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 13, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Pastor Tim Prater officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 2-6 p.m. Sunday, March 12 at the funeral home.