Lee O. "Sturg" Sturgis, Jr. - Online Memorial Website

Sign in or Register

Choose Language - Last-memories.com

Choose Language - Last-memories.com
Search: Go Advanced search
Main Page
Gallery
Audio/Video
Candles
Condolences
Memories
Life Story
Edit Page
Lee Sturgis, Jr.
Born in Illinois
71 years
259821
Bookmark and Share
Family Tree
     Lee O. “Sturg” Sturgis, Jr., 71, a retired Decatur Firefighter, answered his last alarm at 11:35 a.m. on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Decatur Memorial Hospital, with his family by his side.
     Sturg was born in Decatur on March 12, 1938, a son of Lee O. and Etta Maxine (Smith) Sturgis, Sr. He married Betty Lou Cox on February 22, 1973 in Nashville, TN. She survives.
     He is also survived by his sons, Lee O. Sturgis III of Pierceton, IN, Steve (Sherry) Bolin of Decatur and Don (Deanna) Clary of Peoria; daughters, Debbie Scott of Maryville, TN, Tammy (Charlie) Matson of Noblesville, IN and Jill (David) Palmer of Calera, OK; brother, Pete (Anna Mary Larkins) Sturgis of Decatur; grandson, Kyle Matson; granddaughters, Michelle, Heather and Alicia Collier, Amber Sturgis, Katie (Travis) Wilson, Jessie and Ashley Bolin and Calen Clary.
     He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Pam Collier; and his beloved miniature schnauzers, Prince, Missy and Dutchy.
     Sturg was raised and educated at St. Thomas the Apostle in Decatur, where he was an altar server. He was a graduate of St. Teresa High School’s Class of 1956. After graduation, he attended Millikin University and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
     On August 1st of 1966, he began a proud and respected career as a Decatur Firefighter and quickly earned the nick-name of “The Tank”. He retired on November 25th of 1993, after over twenty-seven years of service. During his tenure, he was a member, contract bargaining committeeman and health insurance representative for the Decatur Firefighters’ Union Local 505 and board member of the Decatur Firemen’s Credit Union.
     Sturg was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 401 and Past Commander of the Decatur Power Squadron. He was the former owner of Sturgis Remodeling and Sturgis Country Crafts.
     He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping, boating, fishing, sitting by a camp fire or on his front porch; watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, NASCAR or old cowboy movies; fixing anything and everything; collecting baseball hats; smoking cigars; and being the constant prankster.
     Sturg loved traveling, wintering in Hattiesburg, MS, flirting with any pretty woman and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. He will be remembered for his physical strength and his strong opinions; for being a hard-worker and a good provider; and for being a strict, but loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend.
     A Funeral Liturgy will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Dawson & Wikoff Colonial Chapel North, 4020 North Water Street in Decatur, with Fr. Donald L. Wolford officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2010 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Boiling Springs Cemetery, with a Tolling of the Bell Ceremony by the Decatur Fire Department Honor Guard.
     In honor of Sturg’s love for children and camping, memorial contributions may be made to The Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317, to provide summer camp to children with healthcare needs.
     The family would like to thank Dr. Ben Esparaz and the staff of Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois and Decatur Memorial Hospital ER and ICU South for their wonderful care.
     Arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home in Peoria.

Slideshow

Latest Memories
Digger
I was going through some things from the house and came across the card you and mom got me for my high school graduation. I love the note you wrote, but am sad now. I miss you...
Pat ( Skippy )

Oh my..I have so many memories of 'Sturg'. We,Lee and Betty and Sam and I had so many good times.He could always make me laugh no matter how down I was.He was so loved and I know he is one of the brightest stars in the sky.You are and will be thought of every day.

Love you my dear friend.

Pat ( Skippy)♥


Latest Condolences
Betty Hyde Sorry to Hear About Lee April 8, 2010
Betty,
Sorry to hear about Lee. I just found out from Lennor. Greta and Ernie want to send their condolences as well. She wanted to send a card but no-one seemed to have your address.

Betty Hyde
Janice (Belton) Canull Yoder Sorry for Your Loss April 8, 2010
Betty,

Sorry for your loss. I know what you are going through, as I just lost my husband on March 5th. My condolences to you and your family.

Janice (Belton) Canull Yoder
Arthur,IL
Frank and Jean Ossowski Friends Forever March 19, 2010

To the family:

 

We are so sorry for your loss. Losing "Sturg" is like losing a brother. That's from Frank too. Seems like only yesterday that we were all camping together. Have a lot of memories. We love you Betty and Donnie. We are thankful that now He is at peace with God and knowing that we will see him again. Our prayers are with you always.

Joe and Rosie Hibbard Bert & Bert, Jr. March 19, 2010
Bert and Bert Jr.,

Our condolences upon Lee's passing.
Joe and Rosie Hibbard,
Carthage, North Carolina
Sharon Ambroise Martin Personality Plus March 19, 2010
big bert, little bert, teresa, laurie, and immediate family. so sorry for the passing of lee. he was a great guy with personality plus. he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. sharon ambroise martin amelia island fl
Quick Gallery
175 174 176 177 179 178 173 172 167 166 168 169 171 170 180