Charles Lee

Charles M. Lee, 86, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, April 26, 2007, at Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born Dec. 11, 1920, in Charleston, Mo., oldest child of John M. and Delia Sitzes Lee. He lived there until moving to Cape Girardeau in 1962. He and Kathleen Elliott were married Sept. 20, 1939. She preceded him in death. He later married Naomi Hudson McRill Aug. 2, 1969.

Charles was a graduate of Charleston High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Airborne Oct. 5, 1942, and served with the ground crew as a mechanic 3 1/2 years. Due to poor eyesight he never served in actual combat, but did serve in the Philippine Islands for a few months. He was discharged Feb. 18, 1946.

Upon returning home, he worked as an auto mechanic and later as a marine engineer for towing companies on the inland waterways, particularly the upper Mississippi River. Due to a very serious auto accident, he was forced to take early retirement in 1971.

Charles was a member of First Baptist Church, Harold O. Grauel Lodge No. 672, AF and AM, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Moolah Temple (Shriner), Capaha Scottish Rite Club of Southeast Missouri and Cape Rock Chapter 60 Order of Eastern Star.

Charles is survived by his wife; two children, John F. Lee of Springfield, Ore., Carolyn Barks of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Dorothy (Hardy) Pottinger of Texas; two stepdaughters, Anita (Edward) Zimmer of Texas; Rebecca (Robert) Tracy of Republic, Mo.; two granddaughters, Amy McAllister and Melissa Barks of Cape Girardeau; six stepgrandchildren; several great-stepgrandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Kathleen; a daughter, Nancy; a brother, Harold; and two great-stepgrandchildren.

Friends may call Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Masonic service will be at 6:30.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Shupert officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum. Military honors will be provided by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to Missouri Veterans Home.