Robert Earl Lee Sr.

1929 - 2023

Robert Earl Lee Sr.
Born: April 14, 1929
Died: March 11, 2023
Robert Earl Lee Sr. (Bob Sr.), 93, of Peru, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023. He has gone to join his wife, Mary Ellen (Lowry) Lee, in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
Bob was a very kind, hardworking man and loving father who took the greatest care of his wife and family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and will remain forever in our hearts.
Bob Sr. was born on April 14, 1929, in Jasper County, Illinois, to Raymond and Oma (Clark) Lee, and was the youngest of five children. Growing up in Martinsville, Illinois, he was active in various sports and earned the distinction of Eagle Scout. After Bob graduated from high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served for three years and advanced to Staff Sergeant.
Bob married Mary Ellen Lowry on June 25, 1954, and they were married for 66 years. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. He was a CPA, auditor, and comptroller for companies in Wisconsin and Illinois.
Bob and Mary moved to the Illinois Valley in 1979 when he purchased the Spring Valley Supermarket (formerly Malooley's). One of his passions was working at the store with his son, Bob Jr., and spending time with his employees and customers.
Outside of work, Bob enjoyed golfing, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and token/coin collecting. He valued the camaraderie of membership in the Spring Valley American Legion and was a past commander. Together Bob and Mary enjoyed playing bridge with friends, traveling, and wintering in Arizona. They attended Waltham Presbyterian Church and Ax Church in La Salle.
Survivors include their son, Robert Lee Jr. (Bob Jr.) of Peru and their daughter, Rhonda Lee (Rhoni) of Peru.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; their dog, Bear, and their cat, Rascal; his parents, Raymond and Oma Lee; and his four siblings, Ray Lee of Martinsville, Edith Louise Reed of Powell, Wyoming, Bernadine Lake of Martinsville, and Raymond Lee Jr. of Tuscola.
A private graveside memorial service, with military honors, will be held at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery in Spring Valley for Bob and his wife, Mary, who passed away on November 26, 2020.
Barto Funeral Home is assisting the family, and Pastor Cameron Graper of Ax Church will officiate the service. Valley Flowers and Gifts will provide the flowers. Memorial donations may be directed to Illinois Valley Animal Rescue.
A guestbook may be signed, and memories shared with the family at bartofh.com.