Olan Lee

Olan M. "Bob" Lee died Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Twin Rivers Healthcare in Arkadelphia, AR.

Born May 15, 1921, the son of the late Stephen and Edna Martin Lee in Varna, IL, he lived in Hominy, OK until he was 14, when the family moved to Peoria, IL. He graduated from Manual Training High School in 1939 and began his 41-year career at Caterpillar Tractor Co.

He met his wife, Anna Lois O'Bryant Lee in Washington, D.C. in 1945 following his service in the U.S.Army in Europe during WWII. During his service he earned 3 Bronze Stars in the campaign at Ardennes and the Battle of the Bulge. Bob and Lois wed in 1947 and raised 4 children in Pekin, IL

Bob was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church,he was a 32nd Degree Mason, he served a term as Pekin School Board President and he was a Junior Achievement Coach. Bob built 3 of the family's homes in Pekin before retiring from Caterpillar in 1981 as Superintendent of Planning. His career was interrupted from 1950-1952 by another stint in the Army for the Korean War.

After retiring, Bob and Lois moved to Hot Springs Village, AR, where they lived for 35 years. Bob became an accomplished stained glass artist in his retirement.

Bob is survived by Lois, his wife of over 70 years, and their 4 children; Rob (Michele) Lee of Springfield, IL; Phillis Lee (Gary Howatt) of Moab, UT, Randy Lee of Arkadelphia, and Bob's favorite child, Mary Ellen Vedas (John) of Houston, TX.

He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held in Arkadelphia on April 26th. Bob will be interred at a later date at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, IL.