Eli Lee

Eli Lee, 96, of Van Buren, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024 in Fort Smith. He was born April 27, 1928 in Sorrento, LA to the late Robert and Julia (Tanner) Lee. He was a World War II Veteran serving his country in the U.S. Navy, and was a contractor by trade.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Pauline Gall Lee; a son, Danny Lee; five sisters, Stella Tullier, Violet DeArmond, Mert LeBalanc, Alvina Schexnayder, and Bertie Bookter; four brothers, Robert Lee, Pookie Lee, Milton Lee, and Thomas Lee.

He is survived by two daughters, Paulette Cornette of Van Buren, and Karen Lee of Alma; two brothers, Edmond Lee of Sorrento, LA, and Garner Lee of Central, LA; two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel. Committal service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Marlin Cemetery near Conway, MO, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

The family will visit with friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.