Howard R Lee, Sr.

Born March 23, 1921 in Glenville, Minnesota to Emil and Alvina (Hoverson) Lee, Sr., he married Evelyn Strickland on September 13, 1946 in Peoria County.

Surviving are his wife of Creve Coeur; three sons, Howard R. Lee, Jr. and Bruce E. (Yvonne) Lee, both of East Peoria, and Allen (Amy) Lee of Creve Coeur; four daughters, April (Boyd) Gordley of Glasford, Penny Knebel of East Peoria, Linda Tucker of Bradford, and Sandra (Wayne) Price of Princeville; 24 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; and 1 sister, Mary (Tom) Hoey of East Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; three brothers, and two sisters.

Howard had worked as a master carpenter for over 40 years, working for Wahfield Cabinet Makers and George J. Rothan & Company, both in Peoria. He was a certified teacher for the Carpenter Apprenticeship program.

He had served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. He was a member of the Creve Coeur American Legion Post # 1234, where he had held every office, including Post Commander.

Howard enjoyed fishing, camping and telling jokes. He also enjoyed polkas, playing cards, good food and spending time with his friends and family at parties.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur. Pastor Keith Thibo will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carpentry Apprentice Program at Mid-Central Illinois Regional Council of Carpenters-JATC, 904 Brenkman Drive, Pekin, IL 61554, the American Diabetes Association, 2501 Chatham Road, Springfield, IL 62704; or to American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, Memorial and Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com