| Graduation Year | Class of 1937 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 18, 2012 |
| About | Lee Crum Kunce, 92, of Greenwood Village South, Greenwood, IN, passed away January 18, 2012. He was the eldest son of Walter C. and Floss (Crum) Kunce, born in Antwerp, OH, on September 7, 1919. A 1937 graduate of Genoa High School, OH, he received his Liberal Arts Degree in 1941 from Miami University, OH. Shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, he enlisted in the Army (Infantry) earning promotions through the enlisted ranks culminating as a Staff Sergeant. An opportunity to attend the Infantry Officers Candidate School enabled him to receive a 2nd Lieutenant's commission. His assignment to the 81st Infantry Division engaged him as a company officer with amphibious infantry in Island hopping experiences throughout the Pacific terminating in the Island of Honshu with occupation troops. Among many awards he received were the Combat Infantry's Badge, the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Philippine Presidential Unit citation. He was separated from service in 1946 and after a brief refresher course at the University of Michigan was hired by Eli Lilly and Co. In 1950, he was recalled into active duty for the Korean Conflict for a 17-month duration. Upon returning to Eli Lilly, he remained in their employment for approximately 36 years, during which time he progressed through several promotions. At the time of his retirement in 1983, he was the Manager of Packaging Materials and Pharmaceutical Services. During his period of employment he was the benefactor of advanced education from Indiana University and the University of Virginia. Lee has been a member of Irvington Presbyterian Church since 1947, where he had been an Elder, Deacon, and Trustee. He was an affiliate member of Venice (Florida) FL, Presbyterian Church. Lee was a member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, Shrine, Kiwanis, and American Legion. Earlier in his life he was active in the Boy Scouts and had achieved the honor of Eagle Scout. Lee is survived by his loving wife, Virginia (Alberty) Kunce; daughter, Susan I. Niehoff; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and brother, Rex. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie Jean (Purdy) Kunce; son, Lee E. Kunce; brother, Fred; and sister, Anna May Kunce. Visitation will be Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service at 4:30 p.m. at Irvington Presbyterian Church, 55 Johnson Ave., Indianapolis. Arrangements are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel, 5377 E. Washington St |
