ARLINGTON - LeRoy J. "Lee" Mick, 81, died Feb. 22, 2012. He was born March 17, 1930, in Tipton, Kan., to Anton and Theresa Hake Mick.

Lee had been a resident of Arlington for many years.
In his youth, Lee spent the summers of 1947 and 1948 living on the Cheyenne-Sioux Indian Reservation in S.D. He served in the USN from 1950 to 1954 in the Mariana Islands. During that time, he developed the first experimental cattle ranch in the Marianas for the U.S. Navy. He later returned as a civilian to develop another 7,000-acre privately owned ranch on the island of Tinian. Much of his early adult life was spent in the Pacific Islands. Lee was a commercial pilot and he and his wife, Deanna, operated Tinian Airlines, a small island hopping charter service in the 1970s. Lee also owned and trained Thoroughbred racehorses and was licensed in many states as well as Canada. He wrote and published two historical fiction books, "Charlie-Not-Afraid-of-His-Horse" and "Below the Horizon." Lee was an avid reader and storyteller and will be so missed at the family gatherings and adventurous discussions.

Lee is survived by: his wife, Deanna; children, Barry and wife Joeanne Mick of Sarasota, Fla., Renee Mick of Marfa, Texas, Greg and wife Diane Mick of Hays, Kan., Rebecca Mick and husband Joe Moreno of Falls Church, Va., JoDee Mick of Arlington, Kan.; daughter-in-law, Frieda Mick of Baton Rouge, La.; grandchildren, Ashley Mick Lowry and husband Mitch Lowry and Matthew Mick of Baton Rouge, La., DeAndria Lee Mick of Arlington, Kan. Lee is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, Gary Mick; infant daughter, Suzanne; parents, Anton and Theresa Hake Mick; and two sisters, Beatrice Mick Mapes and Rita Mick Gasper.

Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial will be held. Inurnment will be in the Veteran's Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kan.

Memorials may be made to the Arlington City Library or Hospice Care of Kansas, sent in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.