Francis "Lee" LeCates' Obituary
Francis “Lee” James LeCates, 75, passed away at 1:22 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Lee was born in New Bedford, Mass on March 8, 1942, to Courtland and Rose Helen (Murray) LeCates. He proudly served his country for 12 ½ years in the U.S. Air Force, He married the love of his life, Sharon Dianne Eckel on June 17, 1967, and they shared almost 50 years of marriage together.
They raised three children Terry LeCates (deceased), Linda Huckile (deceased) and Megan (Phillip) Foor. Grandchildren Christina and James Huckile and Robert and Aaron LeCates. Lee is survived by brothers Gary LeCates (Betsy), Eugene Lajeunesse (Joyce) and “brother” Jack Calfee (Patty). Sisters, Linda LeCates, Beverly Cogswell (Harold), Lori Fernades (Marty), “sister” Diane Buchanan (Tim). Father-in-law Dale Eckel, Sister-in-law Marilyn Burton (Lester) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lee was a founding member of Maranatha Assembly of God. He retired from Decatur Public School District in Maintenance Dept. in 2002. Lee enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping and being the neighborhood watch from his front porch.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dawood and Dr. Ranger, DMH Palliative Care and the staff at Frescnius 44th Street for all their wonderful care thru the years.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at Moran & Goebel, 2801 North Monroe Street, Decatur, IL with the Rev. Doug Lowery officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Long Creek Fire Department, Maranatha Assembly of God or to the family.
The family of Lee James LeCates is being served by Moran & Goebel and cremation services, 2801 North Monroe Street, Decatur, IL 62526. Send condolences and share memories with the family at www.moranandgoebel.com
Video Tribute for Francis “Lee” LeCates: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/KD8RQ8LK73PDR5FM
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