Louis Edmond "Lee" Walston Jr.'s Obituary
Louis Edmond “Lee” Walston, Jr., 68, of Oakley, Illinois, passed away September 3, 2025, in Springfield, Illinois.
Lee was born on April 16, 1957, at Englewood Hospital in Chicago, Illinois to Louis E. Walston and Carol M. Neeb. Lee was in the middle of five generations of Louis E. Walstons. Lee grew up in Lake Zurich, Illinois. He moved to Clinton, Illinois before his senior year. While in school Lee participated in tennis, football, and wrestling.
Lee enlisted in the Illinois National Guard and served 39 years with many activations over the years. He was a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served two tours.
Lee was married to his first wife Sandra Walston for many years prior to her death in 2010. They had 3 children Eric, Jennifer, and Alisha. On June 22, 2013, Lee married Cathy Walston and gained three stepdaughters, Janell, Jessica, and Courtney, and several grandchildren.
Lee loved spending time with family and friends, attending auctions, golfing, and eating at his favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel. He never missed a Friday night fish fry. He had a serious sweet tooth, especially for icing, and would never leave a smear behind. He was always the first one to drop everything and lend a helping hand.
Lee really grew fond of the country life and took to raising goats and this became his passion. His favorite goat was Suzie, whom he bottle fed and shared a special bond.
Lee spent every evening visiting and porch sitting with his in-laws and making sure the chickens were tucked in.
Lee worked in a variety of roles at Revere Copper and Brass, Lincoln Developmental Center, Firestone, Guardian West, and was currently working at Fuyao Glass America.
Lee is survived by his wife Cathy Walston of Oakley; son Louis E. “Eric” Walston (Amber) of Clinton; daughters Jennifer Adams (Doug) of Clinton and Alisha of Clinton; step daughters Janell Gant (Shawn) of Cerro Gordo, Jessica Brown (Jontu) of Mansfield, and Courtney Nickey (Pat) of Oakley; sisters Jean Thoennes and Mary Kay Scharf (Jamie), both of Bloomington-Normal; mother-in-law Kate Woodrum and father-in-law Glenn Woodrum of Oakley; brother-in-law Hurk Woodrum ( Cindy) of Oakley; grandsons Damien, Louis “Little Lee”, Damjien, Camden, and Emmitt; granddaughters Macaylynn, Aalexia, Madalynn, Ariahna, Gracie, Darcy, Daphne, Rowen, and Lakelyn; and beloved pets Addy, Sadie, Andy, and Peanut.
He is preceded in death by parents Louis E. Walston and Carole M. Neeb; his first wife Sandra Walston; and grandsons Colby Nickey, Brandon Cole, William Cole, Daniel Wayne, and Harrison Pierce.
Visitation for Lee will be from 10am to 11am on Monday, September 15, at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 11am, immediately following the visitation. Burial in Ritchie Cemetery in Oakley will follow the service. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.moranandgoebel.com.
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