The Rev. Lee Sampson Block, 75, Rector Emeritus of St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Leavenworth, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2010.
He was born August 25, 1934, in Del Rio, Texas, the son of Edwin Hart and Lois Emmaline (Baker) Block. He graduated from Del Rio High in 1951
On August 16, 1968, he married Julie Zay Finchin Austin, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents;brother, Edwin H. Block, Jr.; and sister, Shirley Block Griffith. He is survived by his wife, Julie F. Block; daughter, Julie Zay Bramble (John), Leavenworth,Kansas; grandchildren, Jordan and Jared Bramble, Leavenworth, Kansas; brother,Walter H. Block (Bette), Del Rio, Texas; sister-in-law, Wanda Block, Austin,Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Rev. Block was a graduate of both the University of Texas, Austin, and the University of the South, School of Theology, at Sewanee, Tennessee; between which he served in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force.
He was ordained to the deaconate July 25, 1961 at St. James Episcopal Church, Del Rio, Texas, the church in which he was raised.
The Rev. Block began his ministry and was ordained to the priesthood February 24, 1962 at Trinity Episcopal Church in San Antonio, Texas. He served at several parishes throughout Texas until 1975, when he became the rector of St. Pauls Episcopal Church,Leavenworth, Kansas, until his retirement in 1998.
The Rev. Block was active in community service, serving on many boards in Leavenworth. He was a past board member and president of the Leavenworth Assistance Center. He had also been a member and former past president of the Leavenworth Clergy Association. He regularly officiated at the yearly Blessing of the Animals for L.A.W.S. and was a Rotarian for many years.
A Eucharistic celebration of his life was held Saturday, March 27, 2010, at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Leavenworth,Kansas. Inurement followed in the church Columbarium.
Memorials may be given to St. Pauls Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 233, Leavenworth, Kansas 66048, or to St. James Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 1129, Del Rio, Texas 78841-1129.