Donald J. Lee

Lee, Donald J., 84, of Springfield, passed away at 11:37 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2014 in his home. He was born in Springfield on March 25, 1930 the son of Joseph and Anna (Brennan) Lee. He was a fireman for the Springfield Fire Division, retiring as Chief in 1998 after 41 years of service. He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, I.A.F.F. Local 333, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Knights of Columbus 624 and President of the Springfield Civil Service Board. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1948 and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Korean War. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Ruth L. (Casey); three children and spouses, Kelley (Keith) Koehler, Kerry (Miguel) Pedraza and Casey (Nikki) Lee all of Springfield; seven grandchildren, Mollie (John) Raster, Casey and Brian Koehler, Bridget (Cuyler) Doane, Brennan (Tiffany) Pedraza, Isabelle and Audrey Lee; two great grandchildren, Declan Doane and Rosemary Raster; brother-in-law, William (Joanne) Casey and dear cousins, Patricia Schneider, Judy Bexfield and Jackie Gannon and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thank you to Debbie (Tom) Nuss, Cheri Randall, Villa Springfield, the nurses at Springfield Regional Medical Center in CVICU, especially Erika Nelson, Dr. Kurian and Community Mercy Hospice. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday in CONROY FUNERAL HOME with a firefighter turnout at 6:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Bernard Church. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard Church or St. Vincent DePaul Society.