Lee Farris Strain

Lee Farris Strain, 75, of Higbee passed away June 11, 2012 at Heritage Hall in Centralia. He was born November 20, 1936 in Wood River, IL to Earl and Ora (Farris) Strain Sr. Lee graduated from East Alton High School in Alton, IL. Lee enlisted in the Navy in 1956. During his 20 year service to our country he participated in the Bay of Pigs Cuba and three tours of the Vietnam War. He received numerous military achievements, ribbons and citations which include: Graduate of J.A.G. school, four good conduct Ribbons, National Defense Medal Cuba, National Achievement Medal, Five Bronze stars, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. After retiring from the military he and Georgianna moved to Higbee, MO. He was a Supervisor at Orscheln Brake Lever, Fabcon for several years until he sought employment with the State of Missouri as a corrections officer. Lee retired as a captain at Moberly Correctional Center. Lee was a member of the Higbee United Methodist Church, VFW, and the Higbee Community Betterment Association. On November 8, 1957 he married Georgianna Raffety and she preceded him in death on April 3, 1994. He will be missed by three sons: Charles and Melinda Strain of Harrisburg, David and Connie Strain of Jacksonville, FL and Lee Strain Jr. and Paula of Bay St. Louis, MS; one daughter Shasha and Greg Graham of Gainesville, FL; one sister Orene and Bill Millican of Higbee, sister-in-law Jane Strain of Higbee; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and one brother. Services will be Saturday June 16, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at the Million-Taylor Funeral Home in Higbee. Burial will be at the Higbee City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday June 15, 2012 from 5-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Higbee Community Betterment Association. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lee Farris Strain please visit our Sympathy Store.