Thomas Orval Lee, 85, of rural New Florence, MO, died on Sunday, June 16, 2019, at the Harry S. Truman VA Hospital in Columbia, MO.

Thomas Orval Lee was born September 17, 1933 in Mineola, MO, to Frances Eugene Lee and Iza "Cassie" Kathleen Wood Lee. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy serving from November 1, 1951 until December 11, 1954. Mr. Lee married Nellie Huffman on July 28, 1956 in New Florence, MO, at the United Methodist Church. They have been married for almost 63 wonderful years. Mr. Lee was a truck driver and worked for several Construction Companies and was a member of the Teamsters Local 833 out of Jefferson City, MO. Mr. Lee also had operated Lee's Auto Body and was an avid Coon and Deer Hunter. Mr. Lee was a Life time member of the Montgomery VFW Post 4436 in Montgomery City, MO. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed.

Mr. Lee is survived by his wife, Nellie Mae Huffman Lee of rural New Florence, MO; five children: Thomas Eugene Lee and wife, Anna Mae, of Williamsburg, MO; Lindora Ronel Freie and husband, Jim, of Middletown, MO; Teresa Jae Burke and husband, Barry, of Mt. Sterling, MO; William Joe Lee and wife, Christy, of Hermann, MO; and Angela Gail Lee and special friend, Michael Muenks, of Hermann, MO. Also surviving are grandchildren: Heather M. Eck and husband, Fredrick; Thomas Roy Lee; Emilee Elizabeth Gettle and husband, Jere; Jordan Allemann, Geena Christy Lee; Ryan Thomas Lee; and Jonathan Caleb Reynolds; great-grandchildren: Olive Isabel Eck; Andrew Lucca Eck; Rhett Thomas Lee; Ella Gettle; Sasha Gettle; Malia Gettle and Ceyan Gettle; one sister, Fifi Davis of New Florence, MO; two aunts: Joe White of FL and Thelma Wencel of New Florence, MO; sisters-in-law, Mildred Starr of Kansas City, MO; and Betty Maassen of Mexico, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mr. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Eugene Lee and Iza "Cassie" Kathleen Wood Lee; brother, William Paul Lee; and Brother-in-law, Roy M. Tate.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. The Reverend Stanley Hudson officiated and interment with full Military Honors was in the Mt. Horeb Cemetery near Williamsburg, MO. Visitation was held on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. Casketbearers included Joe Reynolds, Terry Phelps, Mike Atchley, Mike Moore, John Parsons and Fred Forster.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mt. Horeb Cemetery or to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361.