Lee Edward Allen, age 69, of Okeechobee, FL, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, at the family home in LeRoy, MI with family by his side.

Lee was born in Howell, Michigan, on December 21, 1955, the son of Raymond and Gertrude Allen of LeRoy.  He attended Catholic and Public schools at St. Joseph’s and Pine River High School before beginning a lifelong career with the American Steamship Company as a merchant marine on the Great Lakes. Beginning as a deckhand, Lee advanced through the ranks to bosun, watchman, wheelsman, third, second, first mate, and ultimately relief captain. Lee continuously upgraded his certification at the Mariners school in Maryland and Ohio and proudly served aboard the Sam Laud, American Republic, MV Buffalo, St. Clair, and H. Lee White transporting iron ore and taconite pellets across the Great Lakes. His career also included service aboard ocean-going vessels (salties) in the Gulf of Mexico, through the Panama Canal, and along the Eastern Seaboard.  

Lee’s mechanical curiosity and creativity were boundless. He built his own hovercraft, racecar, windmill and seaplane to mention a few. His traveled adventures began early when, at seventeen, he hitch-hiked through Canada, New York, and Massachusetts, getting back in time to start his senior year of high school. He enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska, road trips to National Parks, travels to Hawaiian Islands, Central America and Europe with family and friends. Among his most meaningful journeys was a mission trip to Ukraine with his mother Gertrude and sister Barb to serve at a children's orphanage.  

Lee also obtained a private pilot’s license in the 80’s. He got his love of flying from his father who had built his own experimental aircraft. Lee continued to fly his first airplane, a Grumman Yankee, and later on his father’s airplane, which was a Christavia. Lee was working on completing his own amphibious experimental aircraft.

Lee resided in Okeechobee, Florida for forty years and enjoyed his neighbors of River Acres Air Park, friends from town, his Masonic members, and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) members. Their friendship was a source of comfort and encouragement through the years.

He was a loving and supportive son, brother, uncle and friend to all his family and friends even through the courageous challenge of brain cancer for over six years. He was known for his kindness, generosity and sense of adventure. His strength and warmth touched everyone he met. 

Lee was preceded in death by his parents Raymond E. and Gertrude L. Allen of LeRoy. He is survived by his brothers: Henry and Mike (Pam) Allen and sisters: Carolyn (John) Schultz, Barbara, Janet (Mike) Breza, Lucy, Mary and in-laws Connie and Scott. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces: Ethan (Jamie), Steven, Joseph (Liz), Jerome, Aimee (Fernando), David (Tahrima), Laura, Diana (Logan), Megan (Hendrik), Amanda, Trevor, Olivia, Natalie and grandnieces and nephews Zach, Dominic, Jillian, Valeria, Nicolas, Asha, and Maya. And many dear friends across Michigan and Florida.  

Lee’s life was one of curiosity, courage and compassion. He lived the Mariner's Motto “Acta non Verba”. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. 

A service celebrating Lee’s life will be held at St Phillip-Neri Catholic Church in Reed City, Michigan on November 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.  A luncheon will be served following the celebration service.  Burial will take place at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery after the luncheon.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of Michigan.