Lee R. Monroe

Lee R. Monroe, 83, of Kewanee, Illinois, passed peacefully in his home on September 14, 2024 at 6:55 a.m.

The family will schedule a celebration of life at a later date. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lee was born on April 30, 1941, the son of Lee and Margaret (Brown) Monroe. He married Evvie (Dolly) Hood on October 29, 1961 at the First Christian Church in Kewanee. Lee was survived by his wife, Dolly Monroe of Kewanee, his son, Lee M. Monroe (Missy), his siblings, John Monroe (Glenwood, MO), Helen Hubbell (Rockville, MD), and Evelyn Dubell (Phoenix, AZ), his grandchildren, Tara Woller (Vinnie Miles), Macy McManus (Josh), Logan Hamilton (Gina), and Haley Hamilton. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and siblings including Jim White, Marilyn Hinton (Bob), Eileen Swanson, Ruby Potter (John), Bob White and Clinton White. 

Lee's great grandchildren, who brought him so much joy include Teague Woller, Lawson Woller, Adler Miles, Everlee McManus, Willow McManus, and Bode McManus. They were so lucky to spend so much time at Lee and Dolly's playing, learning how to take care of animals and doing chores. Lee always claimed it was an "accident" but there was always a supply of puppies for the kids to play with. 

Lee is a graduate of Kewanee High School. Lee worked as a butcher before attending Midwest Horseshoeing School in Macomb, IL. He was a farrier for the Quad City Downs from 1970-1990. He estimated shoeing 60,000 horses. Lee shod 3 out of 4 of the horses with the fastest finishing times at the Downs. George Steinbrenner, owner of the NY Yankees, took his horse all over trying to qualify him to race and was unable to qualify him until Lee made some changes to the horse. Not only did he qualify to race but he won first place in his race at the Downs. After this, George Steinbrenner was so impressed with Lee, he offered him a job in New York, shoeing his horses exclusively.

Lee also held other interests including belonging to the Pigeon Club of Kewanee, Illinois and even presided over the club for several years. Over a two-year span, Lee won 28 out of 30 pigeon races. Lee was also a coon hunter for over 70 years. Blacksmithing was also a hobby and Lee owned a horseshoe factory and enjoyed going to Blacksmith gatherings and he also owned the Kewanee Sale Barn for many years.

Lee broke horses to ride and pull wagons. He stopped riding at 80 years old but continued to train horses and was a trusted source of information for many horse owners over the years. 

Lee was a hard worker which anyone who shook his hand could feel. Not only did he love to work but he had a great sense of humor which showed in his story and joke telling. Lee was very loved and respected by his family and many friends.

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