Thad Louis Lee

Thad Louis Lee, age 71, of Sparta, Ill., formerly of Du Quoin, Ill., passed away on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at 9:48 a.m. in his home.

Thad was born in Charleston, Mo., a son to Hiley and Levia (Holley) Lee. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam War. On Oct. 14, 1992, he married Donna Kay Allen at Bethel AME Methodist Church, Sparta Ill., and she preceded him in death on Nov. 15, 2010. He attended First Freewill Baptist Church, Sparta, Ill. Thad worked at Turco Ind., Du Quoin, Ill., early on, then, Blue Bell Packing House, Du Quoin, Ill., for several years, Peabody Coal Company as a coal miner for 14 years and he retired after 15 years of service as an IDOC Correctional Food Supervisor. He was a member of the V.F.W., U.M.W.A. and several years ago, the Friendship Club of Du Quoin. Thad loved spending time with his kids and grandkids and he was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan.

Survivors include his seven children, Tracy (Sheri) Lee of Du Quoin, Ill., Wendall Lee of Paducah, Ky., Cecelie Holmes of Belleville, Ill., Rick Grigsby of Du Quoin, Ill., Curtis (Karolynne) Lewis of Columbus, Ohio, Timothy Lewis and Debbie Lewis of Murphysboro, Ill.; five grandchildren, Della and Tevin Lee, Brandon Rives, LaDainian Lee, Tyreece Holmes; his mother-in-law, Irene Allan of Sparta, Ill.; one cousin, Richard; special nieces and nephews, Carol McBride, Karla McBride, Kenita King, Kevin McBride and Andre McBride and a host of other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna Lee; a daughter, Jill Howard; a son, Terrence Lewis and a very close sister, Dorothy McBride.

Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend John Matthews officiating. Interment will be in I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Du Quoin, Ill. Military Rights will be provided by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion.

Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the family of Thad Lee.

For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.