Published on August 11, 2025 4:00 pm
Last Updated on August 11, 2025 8:37 pm
Donald Lee Moffett, known affectionately as Lee to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, at HSHS St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Born on March 12, 1949, in Shelbyville, he was a cherished son, loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and loyal brother.
Lee was the son of the late Donald and Helen (Green) Moffett and grew up in a warm, nurturing home alongside his siblings. He shared 54 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Terre Bethe, of Cowden. Their union was blessed with four children: Richard (Kali) Moffett of Beecher City, Farah (Blake) Summers of Shelbyville, Ramie (Roy) Hoene of Cowden, and Garett (Courtney) Moffett of Mode. Lee was a beacon of love and joy in the lives of his eight grandchildren: Daythan Summers, Kynlee Summers, Ely Hoene, Kelby Hoene, Renlee Moffett, Owen Moffett, Duke Moffett, and Knox Moffett. He also leaves behind his siblings Linda Denton of Herrick, Carolyn (Gene) Wall of Cowden, Roberta Hardimon of Herrick, Dale Moffett of Cowden, Kelley Conley of Herrick, and many adoring nieces and nephews.
Lee served his country in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army in 1969. Following his military service, he dedicated 40 years as a heavy equipment operator with Local 965. His commitment to community service was further exemplified in his role as Dry Point Township Road Commissioner, a position he held with integrity and diligence for eight years. Outside of his professions, Lee built a farm from the ground up, raising cattle and working the land to help provide for his family. Lee was one of the hardest workers you could ever meet, never shying away from a long day’s labor if it meant taking care of those he loved.
Lee’s life was characterized by his unwavering commitment to his family and his passion for living life to the fullest. His greatest joy was to have his home filled with the laughter and love of his family, especially during gatherings where his wife’s delicious meals were savored, and the sweet anticipation of dessert lingered in the air. He relished the sounds of his grandchildren playing kickball or whiffleball in the front yard, a true testament to the blessed life he worked so hard to provide.
His legacy is one of love, hard work, and the importance of family. Lee’s life serves as a reminder to all to cherish their loved ones, to speak words of love often, and to never let a day go by without expressing affection. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, with the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, both at the First Christian Church in Cowden. Burial will take place in Mound Cemetery with military honors by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials in Lee’s honor may be made to the Cowden First Responders and may be mailed to Lockart-Green Funeral Home, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565.
Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com.