Samuel Stewart Lee
Samuel Stewart Lee, 60, passed away on Sept. 8, 2025, in Glendale. He was born to Ivey and Robert Downard at Northwest Hospital in Glendale on Dec. 19, 1964.
Samuel leaves behind his parents, Ivy and Robert Downard; siblings, Allen Downard, Susan Soloman, Tammy Jarrett; and son, Brice Lee.
Samuel graduated from Glendale High School and went on to higher education, without pursuit of a degree. Samuel lived briefly in Utah, meeting his first wife and having a son, Brice Lee, before returning to live in Arizona and beginning his career in immigration. While working in Florence, he met the love of his life, Rosa Martinez, who became his wife and brought with her a large family of two sons, Jesus and Bebe Huerta, three grandsons, Guillermo Huerta, Manuel Huerta and Brandon Huerta; and granddaughter, Malena (Rabbit) Huerta, as well as many friends all of whom he loved dearly.
Growing up in Arizona, Samuel loved spending time with his grandparents, CT and Bertie Brice, and many cousins, with lots of time spent in Payson fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. Sam loved his job and coworkers. When he left immigration after 24 years, he went into private security positions which he held in Florence, Tucson and Glendale.
Sam was a kind man who loved teasing his sisters and grandkids as well as spending time with Rosie and family. He was deeply loved by all of us and will be greatly missed.
A celebration of Sam’s life will be held starting with a visitation on Friday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. and a memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m. at Menke Funeral Center, located at 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ (85351).