Don Lee

Charles Donald Lee, age 99, of Holts Summit, Mo. passed away peacefully Sunday, June 9, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, with his family by his side.
Don was born on September 6,1924 on a farm near Ludlow, Mo. to parents, Bryon and Mildred (Williams) Lee. He enjoyed typical farm life during his younger years and attended a one-room country schoolhouse in Bryanville, Mo. until eighth grade and high school in Ludlow, Mo.
After high school graduation in 1941, he attended Central Methodist Collage at Fayette, changing to William Jewell College in Liberty in 1942. He then enlisted in a college "V-5" program for Naval Aviation Cadets on December 2, 1942, entering active-duty Naval Service from college on March 10, 1943. While at William Jewell, he joined the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.
Serving in the Naval Aviation Cadet program in Kansas, California and New Jersey, he was commissioned an Ensign Naval Pilot Airship in March 1944. During World War II, he piloted Airships in the Caribbean Area and in California on Anti-submarine patrol and photographic missions. Later in the War he trained in planes in anticipation of the invasion of Japan during 1945 at Grand Prairie NAS, near Dallas, Tx.
Upon the surrender of Japan, he left the Navy in December 1945, and entered the University of Missouri at Columbia on the G.I. Bill in January 1946. He completed his college degree gaining his Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising.
Working as an ad salesman and manager for radio stations in Kansas and California, he married Dorothy Jane Bailey on December 8, 1951, and they settled in San Jose, Ca. During this time, he rejoined the USNR Active Naval Reserve, becoming a "weekend warrior" in an Organized Naval Reserve Unit from1950 through 1958. He was promoted to full Lieutenant while serving in the Naval Reserves.
After working in San Jose many years, changing from radio ad sales to working as a Department Manager for musical instrument sales for the Sherman Clay Music Company, Don and wife Dorothy and their two-year-old son, Richard, returned to Missouri. Don's father retired from the farm so their families' changed places; his parents to their ranch house in San Jose, while Don took over management of the family farm near Ludlow, Mo. in December 1958.
Don soon took a job in Chillicothe, Mo. with Lambert Manufacturing and Distributing Company as an Advertising and Catalog Manager. After several years at Lamberts, he had an opportunity to work for the Missouri Division of Employment Security in Chillicothe, later taking a promotion to Columbia and Kansas City, eventually becoming Office Manager in Kansas City in 1969.
Don's parents returned to Missouri, selling the Ludlow farm and moving to Chillicothe. Don and Dorothy sold their ranch house in San Jose and became full Missouri residents. Completing his nearly 30-year career with the State of Missouri as District Manager of the Division of Employment Security in Jefferson City on September 6, 1998, Don retired with Dorothy to their ten acre "farm" in Holts Summit, Mo.
During their first 20 years of retirement, Don and Dorothy traveled the United States with time shares in Colorado, Nevada, and the Lake of the Ozarks. He bowled in many different national tournaments in various cities all over the country. He also enjoyed playing golf for fun and exercise. He looked forward to working out and socializing at the YMCA and later at the Jefferson City Healthplex.
Spry and witty, Don's love for life and appreciation for that comes with it allowed him to become and remain a great role model for family and friends alike. He had a mind like a steel trap and kept his mind sharp by working crossword puzzles, reading, and writing poetry. Don took pride in being a good friend, loyal husband, loving father, neighbor, and occasional karaoke singer at the American Legion. His life and legacy will be remembered and cherished by all who were blessed to know and love Don.
Survivors include his son, Richard Lee (Carolyn) of Springfield, Mo; grandchildren, Richard W. Lee (Alan), Sean L. Lee, and Christopher M. Lee; sister-in-law, Lois Lee of Green Valley, Az; good friend and constant companion, Sylvia Pringle of Jefferson City, Mo; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Dorothy; and two brothers, Richard "Dick" Lee (Ida) and Robert "Bob" Lee.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Freeman Mortuary.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend John Kerr and Pastor Steve Gregory officiating. Graveside services and entombment with military honors will be held at the Mausoleum of Riverview Cemetery.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, for friends that are not able to attend by going to this memorial page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Wesley United Methodist Church (2727 Wesley St. Jefferson City, MO 65109), VFW Post 1003 (105 Irwin Dr. Jefferson City, MO 65109), or The American Legion Roscoe Enloe Post 5 (1423 Tanner Bridge Rd. Jefferson City, MO 65101).
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.