Published on January 30, 2026 11:35 am
Last Updated on January 30, 2026 11:35 am
Lee G. Ealy, 85, of Effingham Illinois passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Effingham.
Graveside services will be held at a later date to be announced at Little Prairie Cemetery, Jackson Township, Effingham with military rites. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Brookstone Estates of Effingham. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Lee served in the United States Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany when the Berlin Wall was erected. After his military service, he traveled and worked far and wide across the United States from East to West Coasts and from the Gulf of Mexico to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He worked in various occupations ranging from the iron mines of Michigan, to welding, to World Color Press in Effingham from which he retired. Lee carried his love of welding into his retirement years by welding sculptures out of scrap metal and, after hurricane Katrina, repairing broken equipment in the community of Poplarville, Mississippi, to which he retired.
Lee is survived by his wife, Jude Ealy; sons, Kevin Ealy of Mesa, Arizona and Alvin Ealy of Effingham; stepchildren, Scott (Susan) Ealy of Effingham, Angie Maone of Kenner, Louisiana, Rhonda (Richard) Steffensen of Bend, Oregon; step-grandchildren, Robert Ealy, Michael Ealy, Brigette Luchtefeld, Jennifer Mezzenga, Sarah and Katie Donsbach; as well as siblings, Charles Ealy of Effingham, Gary Ealy of Brussels, Belgium and Linda Runles of Effingham.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Leona (Grupe) Ealy, first wife Nancy Strong; brothers Bob, Dale and Leslie Jr; and sisters Shirley Weidner and Bette Bissell.