Shelby Lee Newcomb

Shelby Lee Newcomb was born January 25, 1926, in Campbellsville, Kentucky, to George and Bertha Lee (Skaggs) Newcomb. He passed away January 18, 2017, in Whittier, California.



Lee, as he was known, grew up on the family farm and went to school in Campbellsville. At 18 he joined the US Navy and honorably served during World War II. Lee re-enlisted when the war was over, and his naval experience allowed him to see the South Pacific, Middle East, and the Mediterranean on a surveyor ship.



Following his discharge from the Navy, Lee settled in Los Angeles, California. In time, he met the love of his life, Cipriana Ortiz and her three daughters Susie, Cindy and Anamaria. Lee and Cipriana were married on May 1, 1982, and they made their home in Whittier, California.



Professionally, Lee was a house painter who worked hard to provide for his family. He enjoyed fishing, camping, playing poker, and spending time with his familyespecially his grandchildren! A patriot at heart, Lee spent much of his time doing volunteer work with veterans. He accepted the responsibility of Commander of American Legion Post 477 and served the post well.



Lee is survived by his wife, Cipriana Newcomb; step-daughters, Susie Luna, Cindy (Steve) Bazan, and Anamaria (Michael) Quiroz; and his grandchildren, Nicole and Jason Luna, Zachary and Samantha Quiroz, and Bella Bazan. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed!



A memorial service will be held at 7pm on Monday, February 6, 2017, at White Emerson Mortuary, 13304 Philadelphia St., Whittier, California. A graveside service with military honors will take place at 10:45am the following morning, Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, California.