Lee Kirby

TAMMS, Ill. -- Lawrence "Lee" Kirby, 78, of Thebes, Illinois, died at 12:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, at his home.

He was born May 25, 1941, in Gale, Illinois, son of Robert Ray and Pansy Prater Kirby. He married Nelda Clark on Aug. 4, 1962.

For more than 60 years, Lee was co-owner of Kirby and Sons Sawmill. He started the business with his father and brother. He also worked at Tammsco. Lee loved St. Louis Cardinals baseball, playing his guitar and most of all, riding his John Deere gator with his dog, Nova, and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nelda; children, Lisa (Mark) Glaab, Pam (William) Bigham and Chrystal (Andrew) Dillingham; grandchildren, Brandon Bigham, Jeremy Bigham, Jenna Dillow, Noah Dillingham, Izabella Dillingham, Charley Kate Glaab and was also known as a grandfather to Braya Pearman and Keaton Pearman; great-grandchildren, Braysen Lee Dillow, Jada Bigham, and another Bigham boy due in a week; and nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Elvis "Bud" Kirby, and sister, Hester "Sis" Williams.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Twente Cemetery.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com