Lee Roy Lacey

Lee Roy Lacey 82 of Manito passed away on March 14, 2025 at Hopedale Hospital. Lee was born to Aurel M. and Bertha E. (Shirley) Lacey on June 1, 1942 in Peoria, Illinois. The family moved to Manito shortly after his birth where Lee lived for the rest of his life. Attending school at Forman School District, Lee graduated with the Class of 1960. After graduation he attended Midstate Business College in Peoria and later the IBM School in St. Louis. Lee began his work career at the B and J Café as a teenager. He also worked for Julius Zeeke’s hardware store. Entering the Air Force in 1962 he served 2 years in Japan and 18 months in Italy. Lee was stationed at Misawa Airforce Base. After leaving the Air Force Lee was employed by Palmer’s grocery store as store manager and later purchased the store which became “Lee’s Red Fox.” After a few years he sold the store and became a salesman for ReJoyce grocery products. Lee also worked for the Banner Times and also cooked many meals at the Blue Spruce and Mel’s Family Inn. Except for the time at ReJoyce Lee worked his entire life at jobs in the Manito Area. Lee was involved in the formation of the annual Labor Day Festival which evolved from the Bi-Centennial celebration held in 1976. Renamed the “Popcorn Festival” Lee served as Chairman and “Master of Ceremonies” at many of the festival’s events for several years and announced the entrants as they passed the reviewing stand during the annual parade. In the earlier years of the festival he often would be seen wearing a White Tuxedo and top hat during the celebration. Lee was a member of the Optimist club serving as Lieutenant Governor for the Illinois District for several years. Elected to the Manito Village board as a trustee and later as Village Clerk. Lee served for five decades and was still serving at the time of his death. He passed away before being able to formally receive a plaque commending him for his service both to the Village Board and for his community activities but was touched with gratitude when shown the image of the plaque. Lee was a member of the Manito Methodist Church. Lee married Mary Kay Marshall on October 10, 1970, Mary Kay and his parents preceded him in death. Surviving is Lee’s brothers Earl M. and Kenneth A. Lacey, 3 nieces, 3 nephews, and 3 step-nephews. And a special Thank You for Tim Sondag’s help and concern for Lee during this difficult time. Being Lee’s brother always meant being on the alert because of his love for pulling pranks and tricks on them and he was even usually a good sport when they got “even.” A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, with visitation one hour prior to the services at his church. Burial will follow the services at Meadowlawn Cemetery, in Manito. Memorial contributions may be made to Manito Community United Methodist Church or Emmanuel’s Warehouse. Maas Hurley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Lee Roy Lacey

June 1, 1942 - March 14, 2025

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services