Charles E. Lee

  Charles E. Lee, 88, of Mascoutah, IL was called to the Lord on April 2, 2025. He was born in Allisona, TN, on April 25, 1936, the son of Louise, nee McMurray, and Samuel Thomas Lee. He was the eldest of three children.

   After graduating high school in 1954, Charles joined the U.S. Air Force to start a 30-year career. He chose the weather field and was part of a tornado chaser group in the panhandle of Nebraska when he met the love of his life, Sarah Sabala. They married in 1958, and Charles continued his career in the U. S. Air Force, being stationed all over the US and in Germany. Charles also served in American Samoa and Greenland.

  Charles was a well-educated man having received a B. S. from McKendree College and an MBA from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Charles retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1985 and became an auditor for the Illinois Department of Revenue. He was a member and past commander of the American Legion Post 292 in Mascoutah, a member of K of C Bishop William Cosgrove Assembly 3151 4th Degree, Freeburg, American Meteorological Society, and the McKendree Alumni Association, and served on the St. Clair County Board and the Public Building Commission. He was also chairman of the advisory board for the Belleville News Democrat. He and Sarah were members of Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Mascoutah.

  He is preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Samuel Lee, and a sister, Dorothy Grubbs of Nashville, Tn.

  He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sarah; two children, Rebecca Rosas (James) of Crosby, TX and Charles E. Lee II of Pataskala, OH; a sister Barbara Mann; five grandchildren, Jacqueline (Tyler) Chambers, Alexandra Lee, Olivia Lee, Joseph and Justin Lee.

  The family would like to thank the nurses of HSHS Hospice and HSHS home health for their assistance in caring for Charles.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Charles’s name to St Jude Children’s Hospital, 680 Craig Rd #300, St. Louis, MO 63141. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

  VISITATION: From 10 to 11 AM Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL.

   FUNERAL: A funeral service will be held 11 AM Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Moll Funeral Home with Father Mark Stec officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Holy Childhood Catholic Cemetery, Mascoutah, IL.