Lee Donavon Stephey, Mooresville, IN, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025. He was 88 years old. Lee was born in Toledo, OH to his parents, Wayne Arthur and Muriel Rebecca Stephey. Lee married his wife, Mary "Diane" (Bever) Stephey on November 30, 1978, and they shared 46 years of marriage together.
Lee retired in 1991 after several years working as a heavy equipment operator from the heavy equipment operating engineers Local 103. Lee was a member of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church with his wife for many years. Lee enjoyed trying his luck at the casino slot machines, fishing, and boating. Lee owned several cabins throughout his life which allowed him to spend his time outdoors alongside his family; the cabins served as wonderful gathering spaces for family events and holidays. Lee was known to enjoy working with his hands; he restored several cars, campers, buses, etc. After a long day of work, a Miller Lite and later a Coors Lite beer would serve him well. Lee was passionate about family and when he was needed, he always stepped up. Lee took care of his mother for several years as well as two of his brothers before they passed away. Lee will be remembered for his independent and direct nature. He was not known for mincing his words; he would tell you exactly how he felt about something. Lee's family will dearly miss his unique wisdom, sense of humor, and problem-solving nature for many years to come.
Lee is survived by his wife, Diane Stephey; his children, Patty (Bob) Rothman, Kevin (Jana) Stephey, Jeff (LaDonna) Stephey, Judy (John) Bangel, Natalie (Larry) Scott, Kathy Wilson, Jan (Jim) Stewart, Linda (Scott) Holtgrave, and Bobbie Stephey; his 23 grandchildren; his 26 great grandchildren; his several nieces and nephews.
Lee is preceded in death by his parents; his son-in-law, Tommy Wilson; his grandchild, Amber; his great grandchildren, Kenny and William Benjamen Sanders II; his siblings, Wayne "Tiny" Stephey, RB Stephey, and Dale Stephey; his dogs, Roscoe and Jackson.
A visitation for Lee will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 11:30 pm. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 1:00pm
For those choosing to make memorial contributions, please send donations to the Autism Society of Indiana.