From kindergarten on, Leo “Lee” Lamping was known for his ability to become friends with everyone around him. His mischievous grin won the hearts of both professionals and the janitorial staff.
Lee, the second son of Steve and Barbara Lamping of West Harrison, Indiana was born October 18, 1983 at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. He passed away January, 2004 at the age of 20. To keep his memory alive, Lee’s parents, friends and siblings: Steve Jr., Mary Catherine and Jessica established the Leo “Lee” Lamping Memorial Scholarship in the Franklin County Community Foundation. Each year, income from the scholarship’s principal is awarded as a scholarship to a student from Franklin County who attends Mt. Saint Joseph College. Students from Franklin County High School are given primary consideration.
The muscular, blonde-haired Lee attended St. Michael grade school in Brookville. He played sports with his older brother, participating in Tee Ball, Pee Wee Football and basketball. His passion for sports followed him to Franklin County High School where he played basketball, baseball and football.
At FCHS, Lee was known for his 1989 red Camaro and his Hanz and Franz skits on Wildcat television. He loved the outdoors. He shared a dirt bike with his brother, worked three summers at Morgan’s Canoe Rental and loved to canoe.
“He could be seen when the first snow covered the ground getting the snowmobiles out, one for him and one for Steve…they were off…tracks all over the yard,” Barb said. “Spring and summer brought out the fishing pole. Weekends brought out the boat on the lake, where he could be seen tubing or if he was driving…the boat flew by!”
Lee entered Mount Saint Joseph College in Delhi, Ohio with the intention of becoming a pediatric physician. He majored in biology, but changed his focus from science to communications. Lee could write,” Barb said.
“He wrote beautiful poems and stories. Freshman year in college, he decided to change from biology to communications – finally he was doing what he enjoyed.”
As a member of the Mt. Saint Joseph football team, Lee endured the nickname “lavalamp.” Rotating roommates brought him back to family as he roomed with brother Steve during his sophomore year.
Each year, the Leo “Lee” Lamping Memorial Scholarship will remember Lee while assisting other Franklin County students who attend The Mount. According to his family, it is just the way Lee would have wanted it.