Lee Elzea Gore, age 94, of Mexico, originally Vandalia, passed away the morning of Jan. 21, 2024, just shy of his 95th birthday.
A visitation celebrating Lee’s life was held Sat., Jan. 27, at Waters Funeral Home, Vandalia. Pastor’s Bob Hoehn and Bob Stanford officiated with burial at the Vandalia Cemetery following the service.
Lee was born on Feb. 8, 1929, in Ralls County Missouri, the son of Ethel Elzea and Roy Gore.
He was united in marriage to (Rita) Louise Gore Dec. 31, 1951, New Year’s Eve, at the Christian Church of Center. She preceded him in death, Feb 11th, 2003.
He was then united in marriage to Doris Walker on Oct. 21, 2006, who survives, her daughter Julie Kemplin, preceded them in death. Lee is also survived by stepson, Tim Walker of Scott City, and their families.
Survivors also include: a brother: Paul, and wife, Elayne Gore of Vandalia; and a sister: Elsie Jo and husband, Larry Phillips of Sandwich, Ill.; three children: Melaney L. Moss of St. Charles, Lisa E. Gore of Columbia, Eric W. and wife, Tania Gore of Springfield; six Grandchildren: Ellen, Philip, Taylor, Rachel, Collin, and Ava; 6 great-grandchildren; ieces and nephews, and many other loved family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Roy and Ethel Gore; his wife; a sister, Phyllis, and husband Russell McNamara; and many uncles and Aunts.
Lee spent time in the Army serving his country during the Korean War and overseas in Germany. He was very patriotic and believed in the principles of loyalty, duty and honor.
Lee’s life had spanned a notable portion of world history and our country, he led such an extraordinary life. He was born right before the official start of the great depression, as the 3rd generation of a farming family. It is amazing to think that he lived through farming innovations from horses to GPS guided machinery. Notable point in his history was when Gore Brother’s purchased the first 4-wheel drive articulated Versatile tractor in the US. Lee won many farming awards including the local Business and Professional Men’s Club Master Farmer award with Paul and later by himself, along with being named 2015 Heritage Prairie Farmer.
He was also well known for raising hogs until exiting the Gore Brothers hog business in 1982 to focus fully on row crop farming until age 65, when he “retired” from fulltime farming. However, farmers never really retire, Lee was well known for being actively engaged as a leader and conscientious advisor to the next generation while also lending a hand to his neighbors with other farming activities. He was a well-respected mentor to many, over his years, including family and hired hands who learned discipline, a strong work ethic, and moral code in a loving family way.
He was loved by so many because he respected the value of everyone he encountered. Lee was a connector and never knew a stranger. He could talk to anyone he met, finding something in common with them. After moving to Mexico, he continued to build a network of friends to swap stories and happenings with by spending mornings at the local Hardee’s and afternoons at the Senior Center.
He loved his church communities, both Spencer Creek, and Rush Hill, and was a man of Great Faith and Love of God.
Lee loved being a grandfather and Great-Grandfather and cherished family time at the house on holidays. Lee will be missed, and yet he is reunited with so many friends, neighbors and family.
Lee Gore came into the world unknown, and is leaving unforgettable.
