Fayette "Lee" Severance

Lee Severance, long time Loveland citizen, passed away at the Pathways Hospice Care Center at McKee Medical Center this past Saturday. Fayette Leroy (Lee) Severance Jr.  was born on Christmas Eve 1932, the second child and first son of Elva and Leroy Sr.  His dad was a first class pilot and growing up in Depression era Texas and Louisiana gave this boy detailed memories that remained fresh even 80 years later. Lee enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teenager after his young wife was killed in a car crash.  His intelligence and hard work got him noticed as having command potential.  He completed Officer Training and had orders for Germany in 1953, the same year that he married Patty Powers.  Lee and Patty had 5 children between 1954 and 1961.  Patty’s mother Hazel lived with them as the Army sent him to 11 posts in his 23 year career including 2 tours in Vietnam, the last of which was as Province Senior Advisor in Go Cong.  Lieutenant Colonel Severance retired from the Army in 1974 and started civilian life in Colorado Springs. Mr. Severance always had a very strong work ethic combined with the intellect and experience to solve difficult problems.  A man of action, he could identify and implement the solution to a problem quickly.  After many years of earning wages to support his family, he turned his attention to helping his son Mike with many projects at the Cactus Grille and Mike’s other restaurants.  Whatever it was, he could usually figure it out and make it work. Lee Severance’s many years of help and advocacy for the homeless in Loveland are legendary.  In 2007 he saw a way to help give hot showers to those without, and he did it.  Building on what he learned about the homeless, he recognized their need for shelter on very cold nights.  He organized local churches to provide shelter and prodded the City into recognizing their responsibilities.  The 137 Connection grew out of his work. Lee is survived by the love of his life, his wife Patty of 65 years.  The leader of this band recently counted his 2 sons and 3 daughters, 15 adoring grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. A memorial service will be held June 30, 2018 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 3448 N. Taft Ave., at 11:00 am.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to 137 Connection in care of House of Neighborly Service. Go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for online condolences.