Everett Monroe Lee, age 87, passed away on January 3, 2021, in his home in Peculiar, MO, he is survived by his children: Rocky and Sara Lee of Raymore, MO, Rick Lee of Davenport, IA Randy and Melissa “Kathy” Lee of Grandview, MO and Rance Lee of Kansas City, MO along with his 13 grandchildren: Jessica Lee, Rocky Lee, Jeff Masters, Tyler Masters, Ryan Lee, Brooke Bestvater, Elizabeth “Hope” Lee, Dalton Lee, River Lee, Justin Masters, Dustin Lee, Grace Lee and Faith Lee and his 2 great-grandchildren: Keaton Lee and Tyler Lee. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy P Goza of Maryville, TN along with several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his Mother and Father and his wife: Shirley Jean Lee, daughters: Cheryl Ann Bestvater and Dayna Lynn Masters, his brother and sisters: Alice Orndahl, Evelyn Lee and Bill Lee. He was born on November 1, 1933 in St Clair, MO, to parents Charles W Lee and Esther (Cox) Lee. He graduated from Jefferson City HS in 1952 he then served in the Navy for 2 years during the Korean War, after returning from war he then went on to CMSU in Warrensburg, MO to play football and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts, from there he went on to Lincoln University in Jefferson City to obtain a Master’s degree in Economics.
He accepted a position as a Physical Education teacher/director, implementing the first Physical Education program in Jefferson City, MO. He then went on to work for the Economic Development Department for the State of Missouri, from there he was hired to work for the Keep America Beautiful campaign and then advanced his career working for the Missouri Public Service and became a diligent lobbyist for Economic Development. Upon retiring, he decided to start his own Real Estate company, South Longview Real Estate, sold this company to J D Reece and then began his career in doing whatever his heart desired which was a lot with his family, community and several athletes in and around his community which included coaching baseball, softball and football as well as writing the weekly sports report in the Jackson County Advocate for many years.
Everett was a great family man and a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He married Shirley Jean Thornberry and the couple had 6 children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was a social, active man who was deeply involved in traveling, coaching, writing, community services and a true prayer warrior for all of his life. He enjoyed his family, sports, his church and his community. His family and friends will always remember him as a caring, loving, involved and the absolute greatest ‘Grandpa Pigeon’ that ever lived.
A private family funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at the grave side at Peculiar Cemetery in Peculiar, MO next to his wife and 2 daughters. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life at the home of Randy and Kathy Lee at 13400 Winchester Ave, Grandview, MO, 64030. The family would like to thank you all for your prayers, love and support for Everett when he was alive and for all of us who are now grieving his loss, God Bless!
Due to the COVID restrictions, we are limited on attendance at the graveside and the celebration of life service, we are asking for your understanding in this matter but, will absolutely love to see and hear from all of you. We ask that if you decide to come to the celebration of life service please practice social distancing and wear a mask when not eating or drinking.
The family asks that donations be made in the name of Everett Lee to 2 very important causes in Everett’s life, American Cancer Society and Harvesters.