Leon Monroe Obituary

Leon "Lee" Sabin Monroe II

Leon "Lee" Sabin Monroe II, 79, passed from earthly paradise into Eternal Heaven on February 11, 2016 due to a recent illness caused by severe pulmonary disease. Leon was born in Lansing, Michigan on August 30, 1936, the only child of Leon Sabin Monroe Sr. and Myrtle Myra Rice. He attended East Lansing Public Schools where he graduated in 1954. He graduated from Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1959 majoring in banking and finance. Lee was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity at MSU. He was a 1974 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Graduate School of Banking.

While at MSU, Lee earned a commission in the U.S. Army Reserve through ROTC. For two years he served on active duty as Assistant Adjutant General of the Military District of Washington. Returning to Michigan, he began his 26 year career with Michigan National Bank. Later, Lee was an employee of Eaton County for eight years.

Lee met and fell in love with Carol Baxter and they were married at First Congregational Church in Charlotte on September 29, 1979.

Living in Charlotte for 45 years, Lee was active in many community affairs. He was a Rotarian for 30 years and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also involved in the formation of several not-for-profit organizations. Lee was an active freemason and a Paster Master and 50 year member of Charlotte Lodge #120 F&AM; Past Commander, Treasurer and life member of Lansing Commandery #25, Knights Templar. He served the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Michigan as Deputy Instructor General. Lee was also a proud member of Clan Munro Association and attended several Clan Munro gatherings in the United States and Scotland.

Leon is predeceased by his parents; father and mother-in-law; several cousins, Patricia Monroe Carrigan, William (Suzanne) Monroe, and several other cousins. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Carol; godchild and honorary daughter, Suzanne (Alan) Monroe-Young; several brothers and sisters-in-law; aunt; nieces and nephews; cousins, William (Sue) Monroe, and several other cousins. Also surviving are special friends Kevin and Lisa Jackson.

A sincere note of gratitude to "T" for the special and wonderful care she gave to Lee during his illness.

A celebration of life service will be held at First Congregational Church of Charlotte, UCC, 106 S. Bostwick Street, Charlotte on February 15, 2016 at 11 AM with Rev. Phil Hobson officiating. Visitation will be at Pray Funeral Home, 401 W. Seminary Street, Charlotte on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM and at the church one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, Leon wishes that you consider supporting Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center, 135 S. Washington Street, Charlotte, MI 48813; First Congregational Church of Charlotte; House of Ruth, 916 Pleasant Street, Charlotte, MI 48813; or the charity of your choice. The family is being served by Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lee on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Feb. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Monroe

9 Entries

Jim and Jane McNiven

February 7, 2020

We are in Tucson AZ where we spent many happy times with Lee and Carol. Every day since we have arrived we have said we miss Lee and talked about what we remembered like watching MSU play AZ in basketball, playing scrabble when Lee got the highest score ever and just visiting and sharing Carols delicious meals.

Mary McCann

December 7, 2016

Just now read Lee's obit. We had no idea even though we are cousins. So sorry.

Jane Reagan

February 16, 2016

Carol, Please accept my deepest sympathy on Lee's passing. I sure wish I'd been able to come say good bye to your sweet hubby. He was always such a great sport and so supportive when you were a leader in the MI Dental Hygienists' Association. Sending my love with hopes that, with your faith, it helps you just a little

February 14, 2016

Our hearts break with the news of Lee's passing and finding the words to express our sadness is impossible. Still, we have so many wonderful memories of joy, laughter and celebration that it reminds us in this darkness that we are so grateful to have shared much time together. We - my brother Steve McNiven, my sister Christine Daniels and myself Joan Helson - were so blessed to have the family of choosing in Lee and Carol Monroe, long time friends of my parents. Many visits to our parents' home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, especially for Christmas holidays, will always be among the fondest memories for us. How could we forget the time Carol and Lee flew from Charlotte to Halifax wearing elf hats, greeting us at the door with festive apparel that received so many smiles en route to our house. We remember always rearranging the Christmas decorations that spelled out "NOEL", because they were supposed to spell "LEON". We would laugh and laugh. There were so many conversations over coffee (Lee had an uncanny gift for making the best coffee). We named Carol and Lee "honorary grandparents" to our children, and the love those babies felt in the arms of our family of choosing has blessed those young hearts with a deeper understanding of what it means to give unconditionally. Perhaps my favorite memory, though, is of sitting on the patio of Carol and Lee's Tucson home, the brilliant glory of the sun setting and the sounds of the birds singing praises of the beauty of the day. In the quiet moments there, I am sure I heard Heaven say to me, "You know how lucky you are to have found these friends with hearts wider than this evening Arizona sky?". "Yes, I do." I remember saying in my soul. We are truly, truly blessed to have known Lee and to have been embraced as family. I am truly thankful for the years of friendship shared with my parents, for including us in that friendship circle, and for showing us all what unconditional love and being in the service of others means. Heaven is richer now. Though our hearts are broken, our hearts are also stronger and better for being in your presence. I know we never left a visit with Lee and Carol without the biggest hugs in the history of hugs. This is what holds us closely now. Lee you will be deeply missed by all of us. We love you.

Sincerely,

Joan Helson, Steve McNiven and Christine Daniels (children of Jane and James McNiven)

February 14, 2016

We were very saddened by the news about Lee. He and Carol have been great friends of ours for many decades. We shared a lot of laughs and experiences together. Lee was a very special person, kind and always positive. Many know that he had great financial expertise and used his talent in the service of many different charitable organizations. We had great times together in Boston and New York City, as well as in Arizona.

There are few people who leave this world having the reputation for all-around goodness. Lee is one of them, which is why so many of we who knew him will miss him so very much.
Jane and Jim McNiven
Halifax NS, Canada

TINA T

February 13, 2016

PLEASE EXCEPT MY SINCEREST SYMPATHY.PLEASE BE COMFORTED BY ISAIAH 61:1-2 WHICH STATES IN PART:"GOD HAS SENT HIS SON TO BIND UP THE BROKENHEARTED AND COMFORT ALL WHO MOURN".

Paul (Bud) Young

February 13, 2016

When I moved onto Chesterfield PKWy there in 1948, Leon was my neighbor. We both attended East Lansing High School and graduated in 1954 from there.

Linda & Ed Foster

February 13, 2016

Carol,
We want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have treasured our many years of friendship with you and Lee. Remember the bridge games at your cottage? The one-hour AZ visit? Lee will be missed by many, and we're glad we got to visit before we left for FL. Sorry we won't be able to be at the celebration of his life. May God give you strength. Sincerely, Linda & Ed

Joe Pray and the Staff of Pray Funeral Home

February 13, 2016

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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