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Obituary for Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee, age 86, of Oakland, IL, went home to be with the Lord on February 2, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Robert was born December 15, 1935, in Champaign, IL to Millard Anderson and Opal Marie (Watkins) Lee. He married Melba Kelly on June 11, 1955, in Ozark, AR; she survives.
Two children also survive him: Traci (Gene) Montgomery of Oakland, IL, and Anita (Gary) Bohn of Lexington, TN; a daughter-in-law, April Lee of Oakland, IL; a brother: John Lee of Oakland, IL; a sister: Della Lowe of Sullivan, IL; a sister-in-law: Norma Lee of Oakland, IL; fifteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Rob Lee; a brother: Gary Lee; and a sister Mary Medlock.
Robert was the pastor at Oak Grove Separate Baptist Church for many years, where he shepherded his congregation with love, truth, patience, and grace. He also served as chaplain at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital and Carle Foundation Hospital. In 1983, Robert founded Independence Pioneer Village and spent countless hours restoring the log cabins there. He enjoyed woodworking and watching sports, either on television or in person, and loved spending time with his family. Robert left a legacy of love and faith that will impact the lives of his family and church for generations to come. His greatest joy in life was knowing that something that he had said or done had made a spiritual impact on someone else’s life.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Separate Baptist Church. The family understands that due to inclement weather and COVID-19 concerns many may be unable to attend this service. A larger celebration of Robert’s life will be held later this spring at Independence Pioneer Village. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to Melba Lee to continue the restoration and maintenance of the cabins at the Independence Pioneer Village. Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.krabelfuneralhome.com.
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Previous Events
Funeral
Saturday
5
Feb
2:00 PM2/5/2022 2:00:00 PM
Oak Grove Baptist Church
15989 N County Road 2300e Oakland, IL 61943
Burial will be held at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery.
The family understands that due to inclement weather and COVID-19 concerns many may be unable to attend this service. A larger celebration of Robert’s life will be held later this spring at Independence Pioneer Village.
Oak Grove Baptist Church
15989 N County Road 2300eOakland61943IL
United States
Funeral
Saturday
5
Feb
2:00 PM2/5/2022 2:00:00 PM
Oak Grove Baptist Church
15989 N County Road 2300e Oakland, IL 61943
Burial will be held at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery.
The family understands that due to inclement weather and COVID-19 concerns many may be unable to attend this service. A larger celebration of Robert’s life will be held later this spring at Independence Pioneer Village.
Oak Grove Baptist Church
15989 N County Road 2300eOakland61943IL
United States
Memorial Contribution
Melba Lee for benefit of Independence Pioneer Village
