Vincent "Benny" Lee

Vincent "Benny" Canalli Lee Jr., age 51, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. A visitation will be held in his honor on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care, followed by burial at Highland Memorial Gardens. His homegoing celebration will take place at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Des Moines at 11:00 a.m.

Benny was born on July 13, 1974, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Vincent Canalli Lee Sr. and Kathey Eady. At the tender age of five, his family relocated to Des Moines, where he grew up surrounded by his faith and the love of the Lord. Benny's educational journey included attending the Gospel Assembly Christian Academy and graduating from North High School in 1992. He later pursued further education at DeVry University in Kansas City.

Benny began his career in customer service with US West Telephone and later became a claims representative in Memphis before returning to his beloved Des Moines. His passion for Chevrolet vehicles inspired him to establish Black Eagle Classic Car Restoration, where he dedicated himself to reviving classic Chevys, allowing car enthusiasts the opportunity to own their dream cars. His knowledge and expertise earned him great respect among local auto parts stores and salvage yards, where he often lent a helping hand.

A devoted member of the Pentecostal Church, Benny was known for sharing his faith with others and embodied a warm, caring nature that endeared him to family and friends. He was a steadfast supporter of his loved ones, always ready to assist with any challenges they faced.

He leaves behind cherished memories with his mother, Kathey Eady; siblings, LeAndre (Lisa) Lee Sr., Charles Lee, Seville (Nicole) Lee, and L. Katice (Maurice) Nash; as well as three beloved nieces he helped raise, Marecia, LeMaura, and MaKiya. Benny is also remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles,cousins and many dear friends.

Benny was preceded in death by his father: Vincent Canalli Lee Sr., his grandparents: Orange and Martha Cheatem, Bonnie B and Alberta Harper and Willie Gipson, aunts: Louise and Brenda Gipson, Minnie and Frances Cheatem, uncles: David, Anthony and Charles Cheatem and Vernon Gipson, cousin; Carlos and Jachin Cheatem, nephew; Norioh Lee Cheatem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to his family.

Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Vincent "Benny" Lee and his family. May he rest in peace, as his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.