Doris "Gaye" Lee

Doris Gaye Hamby Drake Lee

April 1, 1939 – August 24, 2025

Springfield, Missouri

Doris Gaye Hamby Drake Lee, 86, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on August 24, 2025. She was born on April 1, 1939, in Smallett, Missouri, to the late Otto Carl Hamby and Velma Garrison Hamby.

Gaye attended Walnut Grove Elementary. She was a 1957 graduate of Ava High School where she was an active student, participating in band, cheerleading, Anchor Girls, and serving as the Advisor for the Rainbow Girls.

In 1960, Gaye married James R. Drake, and together they had two sons, Mark James Drake and David Russell Drake. Gaye was immensely proud of her sons, both of whom earned college degrees, and she always emphasized the importance of education in her family.

Gaye's own academic journey was remarkable. In 1968, she began a 600-mile weekly commute from Warsaw, Missouri, to Central Missouri State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971. Her passion for education led her to a fulfilling career as a Library Media Specialist with the Warsaw R-IX School District, where she shared her knowledge with countless students. She later earned her Master's Degree in Library Science from Central Missouri State University in 1974.

On May 31, 1975, Gaye married Robert C. Lee, beginning a loving partnership that spanned 41 years until Bob's passing in 2016. Together, they traveled extensively during summer vacations, studying children's literature and contributing to coursework at Fort Hays State University. Their many cruises were among their greatest joys in life.

Throughout her career, Gaye was an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Missouri Association of School Librarians, where she served as president in 1978-79. She also contributed to the Missouri Central District Librarians, the Warsaw Community Teachers Association, and the Missouri State Reading Circle Committee. She was a reader and selector for Missouri's prestigious Mark Twain Award committee for five years.

After retiring, Gaye and Bob relocated to Springfield, Missouri, where they became active members of Wesley United Methodist Church. Gaye continued to volunteer her time with local school libraries and in her neighborhood, Quail Creek.

Gaye was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee; her parents, Otto and Velma Hamby; and her brother, Joseph Dallas Hamby.

She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Myers of Springfield; her sons, Mark Drake (Natalie) of Prairie Village, KS, and David Drake (Alicia) of Yellville, AR; her stepsons, Robert Lee III (Sharron) of Lenexa, KS, Chris Lee (AnnDee) of Edmond, OK, and Scott Lee (Sherry) of Springfield; four granddaughters and five grandsons; nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care provided to Gaye by many devoted caregivers at Amada Senior Care.

A visitation will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM, with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM. Gaye will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Bob, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield in a private ceremony.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Library Foundation.

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