Donald “Don” Lee, 69, of St. Louis, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his children.
Beloved father of Kristen Lee, Leslie (Kyle Rober) Lee, Keith (Taylor) Lee and Ian (Lara) Lee. Loving grandfather of Henry, Lydia, Nora, Josephine and Ruth Lee. Dear brother of Nancy (Scott) Wingenbach and Tom (Pat) Lee. Our dear uncle, cousin and friend.
Born on October 13, 1956, to Douglas and Esther Lee, Don graduated from Lindbergh High School before earning a degree in Criminal Science from Southeast Missouri State University. He then graduated from the Police Academy and proudly serviced his community with the St. Louis County Police Department. Following his police career, Don began his own carpet cleaning business, proudly running it for more than 25 years.
An avid outdoorsman, Don spent much of his leisure time fishing, hunting, and dreamed of becoming a professional fisherman. He loved sharing his “tricks of the trade” and teaching anyone eager to learn. His loyal chocolate lab, Moose, was his constant companion and a favorite fishing buddy.
Above all, Don cherished his family and loved being a grandpa. He was proud of all his children and grandchildren and lit up when he talked about or spent time with them. Always wanting to help, they all knew no task was inconvenient for him and, if anything, his immediate response would be, “Why didn’t you call me?”
His humor and smile were contagious and will be remembered by family and friends. Don will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 2 – 8:00 PM and memorial service on Friday at 10:00 AM.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association
David and I will always remember the fun times we had going fishing with Don at Busch Wildlife and at McLain’s lake in Cuba. Don was really a great fisherman!
I knew Don when I was little, but really got to know him later in life. We spent time together working, and during family time around the holidays. We had a lot of different views on life, and politics, and debated / argued them (he was so cynical) constantly. He told stories that I swear I had to hear a dozen times. But if I was in trouble, he was there. If one of my brothers needed something, he was there. Whether it was a dead fuel pump or your whole life was crashing down around you, he was a lifeline you knew would pick up if you called. . I hope he passed on knowing how loved he was, Blue skies, Don. Thanks for being a role model for me later in my life. I love you, and I hope I can pay it forward by being someone else’s lifeline at some point in my life.
I’m going to miss my buddy. We spent countless hours working together cleaning carpets, and waxing floors. Of course there was always time to enjoy food afterwards.
I’ll cherish our fishing stories, and the time he invested in my eldest son Garrett. Don invested time in my son on how to tie a knot, and how to cast a bait caster. Countless phone calls to talk about fishing in Canada! My daughter n law Holly is from there.
He would come to my home or we would go to his for various reasons. He always told me I should be proud of my 3 kids.
My daughter Faith reminded me that Don was very proud of her. Don knew her as a baby and she is 19 now.
Don also told me. Terry you got your hands full on (Justin) my middle child. LOL!
Thank you for investing time into me. I’m a better human today because of you my friend.
We will miss you sir!!
I was late to the party, getting to know Don but he immediately became one of my favorites. His smile/sense of humor got me through many challenging days. This is the sweetest tribute. He will be dearly missed!
Thank you for all the care, support, and light in his life during this last stage of his life. I’m glad he could also give you the same light on dark days that you also gave him <3
Don was a great person, we became friends when he came to Acme Janitor to buy cleaning supplies for his Carpet Cleaning Business. Mary and I had Don clean our carpets at home, referred him to our customers and everyone raved at what a good job and what a great person he was. He and Moose would come to our office and Moose would play with our dog Hurley in the warehouse until he left. Don will be missed.