LeRoy Allen Lincoln, 78, of Avon, IL passed away Sunday, June 23, 2019, 11:15 p.m. at his home. He was born Sunday, July 14, 1940, the son of Forrest and Dorothy (Ruthe) Lincoln. He married Marti Melrose on July 14, 1976. Lee is survived by his daughter Christina Lincoln, son Clint Lincoln, three stepsons, Jordan Yount, Gregory Yount, and Mark Yount, 2 grandsons, 2 nieces, 1 nephew, 2 great nephews, 3 great-great nephews, and 1 great-great niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and brother-in-law. Lee was educated at the Peoria Woodruff High School. He was a member of the undefeated Woodruff High School football team 1955-1957. The Woodruff High School football team class of 1957 was inducted into the Peoria Civic Center Hall of Fame. He was also educated at Carthage College for one year and Bradley University. Eight days after graduating from Bradley University, Lee was drafted. However, he went down and enlisted and took the test for Officer School. He was stationed at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia and commissioned second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers on March 7th, 1967. From there he volunteered for an antitheater transfer to Viet Nam and was given three more months in the US to take a Construction Management course. One job as an officer was a bridge with a continuous concrete pour, they had to do at night with large floodlights, all the while surrounded by incoming rounds. For this, he received his first Army Commendation Medal.
Lee was then assigned to the 497th Army Corps of Engineers as commanding officer with 10 officers, 2 EA NCO’s, 240 enlisted men, and a deep-sea diving unit below him. He was awarded his first Bronze Star for meritorious service. Also, while serving his time as commanding officer he was promoted to Captain. His Second Bronze Star was also received for meritorious service. Lee was a Civil Engineer; he was also a project manager at Becker Brothers Construction for 35 years. Lee enjoyed many things such as Bears Football and Cubs Baseball. He loved to fish, garden and do home improvements. He also enjoyed horticulture. He was a member of the Abingdon American Legion, and Pheasants Forever.
Funeral service will be Saturday, July 6, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at the Wise Family Funeral Home Avon, IL. Burial will be in the Olive/Holeman Cemetery, Avon, IL. Visitation will be Saturday, July 6, 2019, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Jimmy V. Foundation. Please sign the online guestbook at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com. Wise Family Funeral Home Avon, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
