Lee Anthony, 97, formerly of Quincy, died Friday (July 29, 2005) in the Aurora Rehabilitation Center in Aurora.

Lee was widely known in the Quincy area as a minister, teacher and newscaster. Years spent here were always fondly remembered by him.

He preached his first sermon at Ellington Presbyterian Church in 1941 and served there as pastor until his move to Troy, N.Y., in 1967 where he served at the Disciples Church of Christ. Before his retirement in 1973, he was also minister at the Ursa Christian Church for four years. In his early years, Lee had pastorships in Richfield and Barry and in Bucklin and Frankford, Mo. Teaching experiences included 11 years at Fox Creek and Kampsville in Calhoun County and five years at Webster School in Quincy teaching sixth and seventh grades.

Mr. Anthony was employed by Moorman Manufacturing Co. from 1936 to 1945 and also worked in the news department of WTAD Radio and KHQA-TV from 1945 to 1955.

As an active member of the Quincy community, he was a leader of the Quincy Unity Center, past president of the Family Service Agency of Adams County, former member of the board of Quincy Youth Development and former member of the Commission on Human Relations. He was also on the board of Visiting Nurses, Quincy YMCA Board, a 32 degree Mason and president of the Quincy Ministerial Association.

Born on Jan. 27, 1908, in White Hall to parents Frances and George Anthony, Lee spent his early years in Calhoun County living with grandparents because of his father's early death. Following the remarriage of his mother, he attended and graduated from Jerseyville High School and enrolled in Culver-Stockton College. Years later in 1960, he proudly received his college diploma.

Gardening was a favorite pastime through the years. Sharing the bounty of his harvest was a special pleasure. Among his other pursuits were golfing and competing at horseshoe pitching.

Lee considered his family one of the great gifts of his life. He and Ilma Fisher were married on Oct. 1, 1933, in Pearl. He is survived by three children, Ramona (Mel) Deener of Raleigh, N.C., Bob (Mary Ann) of Batavia and Mary (Dan) Zack, also of Batavia. He was very proud of his nine grandchildren and 13 (soon to be 14) great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his precious wife, Ilma, and baby daughter, Joyce.

Lee influenced many people during his long life and will be missed by those who knew, appreciated and loved him. He was always very thankful for the people and the memories of the Quincy community.

A memorial service will be held in Ellington Presbyterian Church for family and friends. Date and time to be announced.

Obituary contributed by Sue Whitaker