Richard "Rick" Carl Lee

Richard “Rick” Carl Lee, age 68 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at his residence. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Matthew Froeschle will officiate. The visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home. Rick was born on February 28, 1957, in Champaign, IL to the late Edward LeRoy Lee and Edith Jane (McKittrick) Lee. He married Patti K. Gagnon on May 7, 1977, in Mattoon, IL; she survives and resides in Mattoon. He is also survived by his daughters, Jennifer L. Roth (Matt) of Dardenne Prairie, MO, Jolene M. Funk (Adam) of Mattoon, IL; brothers, Steven C. Lee of Humboldt, IL, Troy A. Lee and fiancée Angela Pearce of Windsor, IL; grandchildren: Anderson M. and Samuel P. Roth of Dardenne Prairie, MO, and Everly B. Funk of Mattoon, IL; mother-in-law, Loretta Gagnon of Mattoon, IL; sisters-in-law: Sheri Moberley of Mattoon, IL, Joni Montejo (Juan) of Salt Lake City, UT, Lori Woodyard (David) of Mattoon, IL; brother-in-law, Ken Gagnon Jr. of Madison, AL; nephews: Donny Moberley (Hanna) of Cobden, IL, Jeremy Woodyard (Melissa) of St. Louis, MO, Jacob Woodyard of Chicago, IL, Hunter Werner of Madison, AL, niece Anna Summerford (Ross) of Huntsville, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Ken Gagnon, grandparents, Abraham and Daisy Lee and Samuel and Velma McKittrick. Rick attended the First Presbyterian Church in Mattoon, IL. He dedicated many years as a truck driver for Paper Transport in Green Bay, Wisconsin from which he retired. Prior to that, he worked for CR England out of Salt Lake City, Utah, and served as a manager at the Cracker Barrel in Mattoon, Manager at Ryans in Effingham and Golden Corral in Dubuque, IA. In his earlier years he worked at Anaconda (Anamet) and USI in Tuscola, IL. A true outdoorsman, Rick’s love for nature was evident in his passion for fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping. As a Boy Scout, he reached the impressive rank of Life Scout. One of his greatest adventures as a Boy Scout was the subject of the book “Trail of 32” by Paul Rega, which was an adventure of 32 Scouts riding their bikes 1400 miles from Wood Dale, IL to Jacksonville, FL. Rick looked forward to annual vacations with his grandchildren, creating lasting memories and unforgettable experiences in the heart of nature. He also had a soft spot for animals, having owned and loved seven dogs over his lifetime. One of Rick's most treasured memories was a trip to Paris, France, with his beloved wife, daughters, and their spouses. This excursion was just a highlight in a life marked by extensive travel; he visited many of the nation's national parks, including Acadia National Park in Maine, Busch Gardens in Virginia and Niagara Falls in Canada. His adventures took him across the United States, capturing moments and landscapes that fueled his love for exploration. Family was the cornerstone of Rick’s life; his love for his wife, children and grandchildren was endless. He took every opportunity to be involved in their lives. He will be profoundly missed by all. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter, 6818 N Co Rd 1120E, Charleston, IL 61920. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Richard "Rick" Carl Lee

February 28, 1957 - October 21, 2025