LEE ODIS SORENSON

1933 – 2021

Lee Odis Sorenson was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on December 17, 1933 to Lee and Marion Sorenson. When Lee was 5 months old his father Lee Sr. died tragically. Later his mother married Robert Cooley. Lee was taught early on about spiritual values and personal excellence. He taught Sunday school, became president of the Youth Organization, lettered in 3 sports and received a sports scholarship to Del Mar College of Corpus Christi and was elected Student Chaplain of his Senior class.

In 1953 Lee married Barbara Lee Wynn. In 1954, they moved to Pasadena, California where he worked as Freshman Boys Dorm Counselor, College Dept. Supervisor and later Student Body President of the Pasadena College Graduate Department. In 1955 and 1957, two sons Tobin and Timothy were born.

In 1959-1960, Lee accepted a life changing opportunity and with his family, traveled on Continent, the Middle East and then Scotland all of which he guest ministered. Back in the U.S. he Pastored at three separate churches in Missouri then moved to Atascadero where he served as pastor for the Nazarene Church. In 1961 daughter Tara was born. In 1962, they moved to Covina, California where Lee would spend the next eight years. In 1963, son Tom was born. In 1964-1968 Lee served as president of the Los Angeles Young People's Society and guest ministered for the Inner City Mission in Los Angeles. Lee and Barbara divorced in 1969 and in 1970 after a considerable career change Lee began working as a Parole Officer for Los Angeles Co. and within a year he accepted a permanent position with the State of California as Parole Agent. He worked in Los Angeles, Sacramento and Bakersfield, California where he served on many committees including D.A.R.E., S.A.R.D. and the Rubber Duck Run all geared towards drug prevention and education. Lee performed his duties with respect and dignity and was held in high regard by his parolees and peers.

In 1986 he met his future wife Judy Walker. She was the director at a Women's Recovery Center. On August 7, 1993 they married and in 1994 they both retired and moved to Arroyo Grande. Soon after they set off on a dream vacation to Europe traveling around shopping for antiques. Once their antiques arrived back in the U.S. Lee and Judy began what became known as Sorenson Farms Antiques. They spent many happy years creating unique pieces that were considered "hot ticket items" made from vintage archicecturals and hardware. Their remarkable love for one another lasted 34 years.

In his final days it was his faith and the comfort of his loving wife and family that brought him peace.

He is preceded in death by his son Tobin Sorenson, and grandson Manuel Serrano. He is survived by his wife Judy Sorenson, sisters Bobby Pearson and Becky Waneck, children Tim Sorenson, Tara Cleavelin and Tom Sorenson, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, 4 step children, Lori Foshee, Mark Walker, Cathy Betts and Jim Walker, 10 step grandchildren and 4 step great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the couple's home on October 9, 2021 at 12:00pm.