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Robert H. “Bob” Lees, Jr. (1933–2025)

Robert H. “Bob” Lees, Jr., longtime Chrysler engineer, passionate car enthusiast, and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on June 19, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born in Washington, DC, Bob served in the Army artillery from 1953 to 1955 before earning his BBA from George Washington University. While living in DC, Bob met his loving and devoted wife, Judy. On their first date, Bob took Judy to look at classic Corvettes. That first date was a preview of their 65 years together of travelling to purchase cars, attend car shows, and participate in shows and parades. Bob married Judy in September of 1959. Three girls quickly followed - Pam, Tricia and Robyn. Bob then followed his passion for cars to the Motor City to work for Chrysler for 37 years. They settled in Grosse Pointe, where they made lifelong friends through the Newcomers Club, their church, car clubs, and their close neighbors. Bob earned his MBA from Wayne State University, at night school, while working, raising his girls, and pursuing “anything” related to cars and speed.

At Chrysler, Bob held a wide range of engineering and management roles. He started in the Parts Division and moved into industrial and competitive analysis before becoming operations manager in Vehicle Development. There, he oversaw nationally recognized projects for police and taxi fleets, collaborated with Carroll Shelby on performance vehicles, and led engineering efforts that supported Chrysler’s reputation for innovation and muscle. After retiring in 1988, Bob returned for 13 more years as a contractor, helping prepare Chrysler vehicles for export to international markets.

Bob often blended his love for cars with his love for family. He brought Judy or his daughters along on Sears trips to buy tools, to retrieve one of his cars from garages all over Detroit, or to travel cross-country to purchase another classic car. He would later share his love for cars with his grandsons, Ryan, Graham and Jackson (parents Pam and Jim), including taking them to see his car in the Woodward Cruise and giving them rides in his ‘Cuda convertible. He became a grandfather again to Anabel and Audrey (parents Robyn and Paul), travelling to California to be part of their lives. Bob and Judy thought nothing of driving 12 hours to attend a family reunion, holiday celebrations, or their grandchildren’s birthdays and graduations. Every summer, the family gathered at the house in Cape May, where Bob taught all his children and grandchildren how to body surf or catch the best wave. He also became a great grandfather to Duke and Grayson (parents Ryan and Chelsea), and more recently to Minnie (parents Graham and Sarah).

In retirement, Bob remained deeply involved with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), serving on its Mobility History Committee and chairing the Detroit Section. In 2002, he helped lead the volunteer effort to build a replica of the Ramchargers’ High and Mighty II,
a drag-racing 1949 Plymouth that had set records in the 1950s. The project was a fitting tribute to Bob’s collaborative spirit and lifelong commitment to automotive innovation. As he travelled to car shows to display the Ram Charger, Judy was right by his side, selling t-shirts, a good sport and devoted wife to the very end.

Bob will be remembered for his warmth, wit, unwavering devotion to family,
and the joy he found in roaring engines, meticulous craftsmanship, and the open road.

Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery with military honors in 2026. Memorial donations in Bob’s memory can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.