Lealan 'Lee' W. Trees

Lealan Lee W. Trees, 87 of Danville, died at 5:41pm on Monday, August 9, 2010 at the Vermilion Manor Nursing Home in Danville. He was born in Philo, IL on November 28, 1922, the son of Leal G. and Eleanor Lucille (Freeman) Trees. He married Audrey Louise Handley on February 11, 1948 in Joliet, IL. She survives of Danville. Lealan is also survived by one daughter, Rhonda J. Vinson, two sons, Gregory L. (Frieda) Trees, and Ronald D. Trees, all of Danville. Two daughters-in-law, Jean Trees, Tina Trees, and one son-in-law, Steve Vinson. Three grandchildren, Tobi (Eric) Burnett, Tash (Amy) Trees, and Andrew (Heather) Trees. Six great-grandchildren, Grady and Griffin Trees, Bryce and Brennan Burnett, Wade and Wyatt Trees and his sister, Betty L. Middleton also survive Lealan. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Keith A. Trees, one sister, Mary Ann Walker, and two brothers, Keith E. Trees, and Billy Dean Trees. Lealan was a graduate from Danville High School in 1941, joining the Army in 1942. He served in WWII as a heavy machine gunner during the Pacific Campaign and was awarded the Bronze Star along with the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946 with the rank of Private First Class (PFC). After the service, he worked at the University of Illinois were he retired, and later drove a school bus for Oakwood High School for many years. Lealan was a member of the Vermilion Heights Christian Church and enjoyed sports, especially high school events, fishing trips, fishing in his own pond, spending time with family and friends, as well as his retirement family and friends in Naples Florida. A Celebration of Lealans Life will begin at 6:00pm on Friday, August 13, 2010 at the Vermilion Heights Christian Church located at 725 Oakwood Ave in Danville. A memorial visitation will be from 4-6pm on Friday, August 13, 2010 at the church. Per Lealans wishes, he will be cremated and Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, is handling arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com