Leon John (Lee) Schultz died peacefully Monday, Feb. 5, 2018 after a valiant battle with heart disease.

Lee was born in Niagara Falls, NY on November 17, 1943. Lee excelled in archery and won the New York State Championship at the age of 16. During his years of tournament competition he was also a member of the Tuscaroran 7th Clan Bowmen and adopted into the Tuscaroran tribe of New York as “Hickory Arrow”. Lee joined the Air Force in 1961, studied Russian at Syracuse University, then flew as a combat crew cryptologic linguist aboard the RC-130 with the 6988th Security Squadron. He flew in missions out of Yokota AB, Japan, and Da Nang AB,Vietnam. Before his voluntary transition from military duty in 1967 to pursue an academic career, he was awarded numerous citations, including the air medal and distinguished flying cross.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Lee returned to San Angelo, TX to continue studies in English, Spanish, history, and physics at Angelo State University, earning his BA in English in 1969. On the path to becoming a college professor, he completed his Masters in 1971 and PhD in 1977 at the University of Tulsa.

Following two semesters of teaching at Southwest Texas University in San Marcos, TX, Lee accepted a tenure-track position at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX in 1978, where he taught all levels of English literature and poetry, specializing in Native American literature and poetry. When he wasn’t teaching summer courses, he rode his Norton motorcycle to visit friends on the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi reservations.

After retiring from SFASU, Lee spent his final years exploring the works of familiar and new artists in music and poetry. Lee’s love of photography and role as official photographer at the Bryant Trail Ride in East Texas for several years led to a lasting and treasured friendship with the Bryant family and friends in The Redlands.

Survivors include his “other half”, Carol; brother Mark Schultz of Blaine, MN; brother Larry Schultz of Rocklin, CA; brother David Schultz of Sacramento, CA; daughter Shanon Phillips-Reid of Nacogdoches, TX; daughter Erin Brown and husband Jason Brown of Nacogdoches, TX; son Patrick Schultz and wife Jessica of Killeen, TX; grandchildren Mason and Caden Phillips of Nacogdoches, TX; grandchildren Kinley, Cutter, and Sawyer Bell Brown of Nacogdoches, TX; niece Theresa Brecko of Shinla,CO; nephew James Lee Schultz of Rocklin, CA; nephew Kristofer Schultz of Sacramento, CA; niece Ana Eng of North Carolina; nephew Mark Schultz, Jr.; nephew Jeffrey Schultz of Blaine, MN; former wife, Rebecca Schultz of Woden, TX, mother of daughters Shanon and Erin; former wife Patricia Tydings of Alvin, TX, mother of son Patrick
. A memorial service is pending and will be announced at a later date Arrangements are by Shaffer Funeral Home/Grape Creek.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Adopt-a-Native-Elder Program (http://anelder.org/), or the charity of your preference, are requested.
Online condolences may be made at shafferpioneer.com

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