RANDALL “RANDY” LEES
RANDALL “RANDY” LEES
A dark eyed baby boy came into the lives of Francis Eugene and Lena Silva Lees on October 24, 1945, in Oakland, California. Randall, being an only child, was the joy of their lives, raised in the Catholic faith, attending Catholic schools, life was good until the passing of Cecelia when he was 15 and Francis when he was 19.
After wandering the states, trying to find a purpose in life, he joined Miller Spectacular Shows, based out of Greenbrier, AR. They were not only an employer, they were family and lifelong friends staying in touch over the years and visiting him in Florida. Eventually he left to drive over the road.
While working for Mayflower Moving in Jefferson City, MO, Randy met his wife, the former Margaret Reed of Milan. They were united in marriage August 31, 1974, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milan, MO. They made their home in Fulton, MO for convenience of their jobs.
In February of 1982, another dark eyed baby boy came into the lives of the Lees, again an only child, Troy was the joy of their life. The family remained in Fulton until 1991 when they returned to Milan due to family health issues.
Randy worked at Reed Ready Mix and helped on the farm where they lived. When PSF Farms started producing hogs, he went back on the road, running double to Columbus, OH to the Moriah plant. When PSF built their own plant, he ran locally, bringing hogs into the plant.
Once a truck driver, always a truck driver. He went back over the road and stayed out until retirement. He logged 50 years of driving, had owned his own trucks, drove company trucks and held a lifetime membership in OIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association),
After a couple of years of retirement, he drove part time for OATS until Margaret retired from Sullivan County 911. Then they sold their home, moved to Florida to be with their son and family to watch their grandsons grow up.
Randy was secretary of the Men’s Night Bowling League for several years, enjoyed Men’s Night of Golf at the Country Club, fished and hunted. His only regret of moving to Florida was that they didn’t have white tail deer. He was a Charter Member of the Milan Elk’s Lodge and maintained his membership even after moving. He played poker 2 nights a week during “Snowbird Season”. He loved his balcony, watching the world go by.
Randy left the world to join his Savior Jesus Christ and those that had gone before him unexpectedly on June 21, 2024. Although it was a surprise to us all, he was prepared, he had just told his son and grandsons he loved them, hugs and kisses for all and his wife was holding his arm, he wasn’t alone when he left.
Randy is survived by his wife Margaret of almost 50 years, of the home, Fort Myers, FL his son Troy, wife Charlyne, grandsons Gavin &Tristan of Fort Myers, FL, Uncle & Aunt, Wayne E. (Buck) & Joyce Clem of Lebanon IL, Cousins Mark Clem, Lebanon, IL, David & Peggy Clem, Black Hawk, CO, and Sandra & Bob Johnson, Fall City, WA. Niece, Susanna Reed, Athens, GA, Nephew, Andrew Reed, Macon, GA, Nephew Matt Reed & wife Daisy, Redwood, CA and 5 great-nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, Vicky Read- Bailey, Covington, GA, Meg Reed, Milledgeville, GA. Randy left many special friends, drivers, neighbors, and poker buddies.
Pallbearers are Jeff Knickerbocker, Charles Hayes, Dave Ganske, Jr, Riddle, Andy Herington, Tommy Wetherell, Olof McTaggart and Mose Gingerich.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM with visitation 1 hour before the service at the Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home, Milan, MO; burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Milan. MO.
