Robert "Bob" P. Lee, age 89, of McLeansboro, Illinois, passed away on October 20, 2026 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital. Robert was born on December 26, 1936, in McLeansboro, Illinois, and was the ninth of twelve children born to John Roosevelt and Flossie Edith (Satterfield) Lee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; John and Flossie Lee, wife; Shirley (Hart) Lee, sisters; Reva Phillips, Wanda Dennis and Phyllis Bond, brothers; Emerson Lee, John Lee Jr., Donald Lee and Roy Lee.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Joyce Lee, son; Brad (Connie) Lee of Norris City, Illinois, two granddaughters; Amber (Kyle) Quinter of Seymour, TN and Ariana (Brian) Watts of Carmi, IL, six precious great-grandchildren; Parker Watts, Leighton Watts, Crew Quinter, Sutton Watts, Althea Quinter and Pierson Watts. He is also survived by siblings; Laura Irvin, Doyle Lee, Marilyn Smith, David (Karla) Lee and many nieces and nephews.

Over the years, Robert was a dedicated worker of the oil fields, Thermogas, his own business, Lee’s Heating and Cooling, and a number of coal mines in Southern Illinois. Robert proudly served six years in the Army Reserves. Anyone who knew Robert knew he was a hard-working man of perseverance and strength, who loved his family and the Lord. He was instrumental in helping build both Ten Mile Baptist Church and Freedom Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member and trustee. Robert was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved sharing that passion with family and friends. You won’t find a more selfless Father, Papaw, or “Papaw-great” who loved his family fiercely. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hamilton Memorial Hospital and Silver Foxes Senior Living and Rehabilitation for caring for Robert during his final days.

A service to celebrate the life of Robert "Bob" P. Lee will be held at 2:30 pm, Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Freedom Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of the service. The burial, with full military honors, will be held at Ten Mile Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to Freedom Baptist Church.

The family is being assisted by Harre Funeral Home, 310 West Randolph Street, McLeansboro, Illinois 62859.