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E. Desmond "Des" Lee

E. Lee Obituary

Lee, E. Desmond Des of St. Louis, Missouri, died Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at the age of 92. Beloved husband of Mary Ann Lee (nee: MacCarthy) and of the late Margery Lee (nee: Stauffer); loving father of Christy Lee (Bill) Pope, Gary Lee (Marilyn Moreland), and Gayle Lee (Bill Berridge); cherished grandfather of David Lee, Desmond Duggan, Elizabeth (David) Johnson, Lyrica Marquez, and cherished greatgrandfather of two. Beloved stepfather of Andrew C. (Barbara) Taylor and Jo Ann Taylor Kindle (Tom Caruso); and step-grandfather to Alison Kindle, Carolyn Kindle, Christine Taylor (Lee) Broughton, Kelly Taylor and Patricia Taylor. A native of Sikeston, Missouri, Lee attended Washington University in St. Louis and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II and rising to the rank of captain. He went on to become an extremely successful St. Louis businessman, but earned his greatest reputation as one of the area's leading philanthropists, giving more than $70 million over the years. He will be gratefully remembered as a true visionary in the ways he gave back to the community, as evidenced by the Des Lee Collaborative Vision - the joint program he founded with the University of Missouri - St. Louis, Washington University and Webster University. Other notable beneficiaries of his generosity include the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, United Way of Greater St. Louis, the St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Missouri Historical Society, Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis, the St. Louis Art Museum and Ranken Technical College. St. Louis has lost a true civic leader, and countless St. Louisans have lost a great and generous friend. Services: Funeral service 1:30 p.m., Thursday, January 14, 2010, at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, 9450 Clayton Road. The family requests that donations be made to one of Desi's favorite charities.

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

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Jan. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for E. Lee

20 Entries

Lori Weatherly

January 16, 2010

My sincere sympathy to the Lee Family on your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Des and Gary at Lee/Rowan many years ago and am truly thankful for the opportunity. Des was a treasure, kind and honest. I smile everytime I think of those times. Thank you Des.

Steve Shelby

January 16, 2010

I didn't know Mr. Lee personally, but I met him while visiting the former Lee-Rowan operation in Wellston. That was about 20 years ago, and I still remember Mr. Lee and how he greeted me that rainy day. He was semi-retired at the time, but he made a young salesman who was waiting in the lobby feel special that day. As I have grown in my career, and as an executive today, I too try to influence people in a positive way. Mr. Lee planted a seed that impacted me, which is only a small part of his grand legacy. A five minute greeting and conversation can made a difference. I'm certain that those who knew him well are revering this man of influence. May God reward him for his generous personality and persona.

Pete Jokerst

January 15, 2010

Ben Jokerst worked for Lee Rowan and enjoyed a wonderful friendship with Des Lee. We are thankful for the wonderful legacy Desmond Lee left St. Louis.

The Ben Jokerst Family

Mary Fields

January 15, 2010

To the Lee and Taylor families I would like to say that I am very sorry for their loss and to say thank you to Mr Lee as my son was a direct recipient of his generosity.

Ed Costigan, Jr.

January 15, 2010

Desi was a legend, legend, legend.
I will always think of Desi when I hear the terms .... Big Boy and Chicken
.... Wire Bender!

My deepest sympathies to the Lee family.

January 14, 2010

We are very grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Lee for their support of many organizations, but, in particular, of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. He will be greatly missed. We extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Lee and the family.

January 14, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Elizabeth Teson

January 13, 2010

Des was the greatest boss I ever had! Every single day he came around to each employee at Lee/Rowan calling you by name, making everyone feel special. It broke his heart when the St. Louis plant closed in 1994. I still have our cookbook and pictures of our picnics. He was a wonderful loving person.

cheryl engle

January 13, 2010

We recently got to know Mr. Lee at the Olivette Diner and he was such a character. He loved his waffles. We will miss seeing him in there as he was such a nice man. Our prayers our with his family.
Cheryl, Keith and Elaina Engle

James Jacoby

January 13, 2010

It was my pleasure to meet and get to know E. Desmond Lee. It was an honor to be able to sit down over a lunch and discuss one of his favorite interests...live steam trains. I feel humbled to have been able to help him in this endevor. I and all of the volunteers who participated in this operation will miss him greatly. Jim Jacoby.

Radar

January 13, 2010

I will dearly miss Desi's booming voice at all of the Zoo events! It has been a real privilege knowing him
the past 30 years.

My heartfelt sympathies to Mary Ann, Gary, JoAnn & Andy.

Diane Anthes

January 13, 2010

Winston Churchill said, "You make a living by what you do. You make a life by what you give." Des Lee gave so much to this community. He was a truly great man and will be missed by all who knew him.

Beth Traxel (formerly Turner)

January 13, 2010

My sincerest condolences to Gary and the rest of Mr. Lee's family. I have great memories from when I worked at the old Lee Rowan Co. in the late 70's early 80's. He was a very kind, friendly, unique man. He was always interested in everyone. He will never be forgotten.

Kate Hardt

January 13, 2010

Thank You from all your OLD friends
We loved working for you at Lee-Rowan all those years ago. We still laugh at some of the fun things you said and did. God Bless the Family!

Love from Kate, Mary Lou and Judy

Kay Boisaubin-Damaso

January 13, 2010

My sincere condolence to the Lee family.My mother Helen Boisaubin was his personal secretary during the 60's and 70's at the old Lee-Rowan co.until her death. Mr. Lee not only had the greatest respect from his peers but his employees as well. Mr.Lee wil be greatly missed by the city of St. Louis

George Scherer

January 13, 2010

A wonderful friend and mentor. Thank you for your kindness to all of St. Louis, especially Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club. A true gentlemen in every sense of the word. George Scherer (St. Louis)

January 13, 2010

If the belief is that you judge a man by what he leaves behind is true, then looking at all his philanthropic work and family - Mr. Lee was one heck of a man.

Jeff Herman

Cyndi Hargus

January 13, 2010

We have missed the great Lee/Rowan days and when Des use to walk around hugging and kissing all us girls.... He was a true gentleman and visionary.

January 13, 2010

Although I (like many others) never had the opportunity to thank him personally, Des Lee brought much happiness to my family through his dedicated support of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. God Bless you Mr. Lee, and thank you for your kindness and generosity.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to your family.

Richard Seebeck

January 13, 2010

We will miss one of the "Big Boys" at Bellerive. It was always fun when Des was around. We will miss you Des.
Rick
Bellerive CC

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