Lee Roy Van Lew
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Lee Roy Van Lew
August 16, 1933 – September 21, 2021
Lee Roy was born in rural Pawnee County, Nebraska and moved to Central Iowa where he grew up and married Donna Mae Grimes on October 16th, 1955 in Woodward, Iowa. Lee Roy and Donna had four children; Darrell (Rhonda), Denise (Bill) Runge, Doreen (Daryl) Kyle, and Merridee Van Lew. Lee Roy was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.
Lee Roy was a Corporal in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955,
during his enlistment he became an avid Morse code operator/instructor and Rifle Range Instructor.
Lee Roy and Donna moved to Platte City, Missouri in 1978, to continue his work as a Superintendent building Interstate projects across Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. He ended his career with Damon Pursell Construction with the completion of the Park Hill South High School. His passions included gardening, woodworking and serving as a Platte City Alderman. Lee Roy was a prize winning woodworker and would submit his projects to the local county fair. His family received many handcrafted pieces as treasured gifts.
Lee Roy was a very simple man, unless you increased the price of his annual subscription to the newspaper. You would receive a matter of fact letter along with a check for the previous subscription price.
Preceded in death by:
Father, Everett Van Lew; Mother, Bertha Van Lew; Sister, Marilyn Van Lew; Daughter, Merridee Van Lew; Grandson, Mathew Van Lew
Survivors include:
Wife of 65 years, Donna Van Lew; Son, Darrell (Rhonda); Daughter, Denise (Bill) Runge; Daughter, Doreen (Daryl) Kyle; 10 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren, Avis Spidle (Sister), Janet Stanturf (Sister), and a host of beloved family members, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Memorial Contributions to:
Mosaic Cancer Center of St Joseph, MO. in the honor of Lee Roy Van Lew
Missouri Veterans Home Cameron, MO, please indicate if you would like the donation to go to the Veterans Activity Fund or to the VA Employee Fund.
No visitation or funeral services will be held at this time.
Doreen, I am so sorry you lost sweet Dad, I know how much you loved him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you – Evelyn and Dave
Uncle LeeRoy was an amazing guy who loved his family and friends he will be greatly missed by many! He had one great welcoming in heaven when he arrived. Love you all and sorry to hear about Uncle LeeRoy.
Dear Doreen and family,
I am so deeply sorry to here of your Dad’s passing. Losing our parents is very difficult. May the Lord give you strength and may you find comfort knowing he is no longer suffering.
With Sympathy,
Josephine LoGiudice
I’m so sorry for this loss. He always smiled and always teased and that’s how I will remember him. I know its a great loss for your family and everyone that loved him. He’ll be missed by so many.
I am so sorry for your loss lee Roy was my boss when worked for Damon pursell he was a great man.