Murl Dean Lee was born the son of William A. Lee and Nora Ella Armor Lee on April 25, 1935, in Decatur, Illinois, and departed this life May 5, 2018, at Brooke Haven Healthcare in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 83 years.
He was united in marriage on August 30, 1982, at Decatur, Illinois, to Sandra M. Straight.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Lee of Myrtle, Missouri; his favorite daughter, Vonda Joy Smith of Decatur, Illinois and grandchildren, Jacob and Jason Smith and Judi Wood; twin sons, Lynn “Marty” Martin Lee and Glen “Eddy” Edward Lee, both of Oakley, Illinois; four step-sons, Kevin P. Crum and wife, Paula of Koshkonong, Missouri, Todd R. Koszesza and wife, Sherry of Oreana, Illinois, Aaron G. Crum and wife, Judy of Decatur, Illinois, and Timothy B. Crum of Decatur, Illinois; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; one sister, Genevieve Klopfenstein of West Burlington, Iowa; a special friend, Vicki Donaldson; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Nora Lee; two sisters, Inez McCoy and Laura Stanley; and four brothers, James Lee, Dennis Lee, Vondal Lee, and Clifton Lee.
Murl was a machine repairman, working for over forty years for Müeller Company in Illinois.
He loved spring, when he and some friends would go turkey hunting, frog gigging and turtle hunting. Murl loved to make people laugh especially at family get-togethers.
He was a member of Dellhalf Church of Christ and will be missed by his family and all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Lee’s memory, to Brook Haven Healthcare Special Needs Unit in West Plains. These may be left at the funeral home or at Brook Haven.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 3:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Mike Stone officiating.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 2:00 PM until service time at 3:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Interment will be at a later date at Harristown Cemetery in Decatur, Illinois with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.