Arvin Bennett Lee, 92, of Ozark, MO went home to the Lord on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.  He was born on Saturday, May 19, 1928 in Greenville, KY to Ernest Lee and Belva (Dukes) Lee.

Growing up in a large family, he was known as Bennie. He served in the US Navy, after which he worked for Ford Motor Company in Anaheim, CA where he was called Lee, working in the plant as a troubleshooter who would brainstorm to correct and/or create better parts for the cars until his retirement in 1983. Ben married Inez Stenersen in 1949 and to that 54-year marriage one daughter Kathy Lee Borg was born. He and Inez moved to Springfield, MO in 1991. She passed away in 2003. No matter where he was, to family he was always Bennie, Dad, and Grandpa. Ben loved bowling, enjoyed working with his hands and did beautiful woodworking, especially making antique wall clocks. He never met a stranger and was quick witted. Ben also took great pride in keeping his yard up. He was known to be a real gentleman; one who loved to help and encourage people; a kind and loving person who was neighborly; a person who loved living life. He loved the St Louis Cardinals and the Springfield baby birds. Ben met his current wife, Jeanne, at the bowling alley on a senior league. After starting to date, they were married after 6 months in Laughlin, NV and had a wonderful 16-3/4 years together. Ben's final wishes were to pass away at home, which he did, his message to all who knew him was "Although you will all be missed, I do NOT want any sadness. Just celebrate that I have gone home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ".

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, one brother Adrian Lee and three sisters Wilma Prather, Ernestine Spurlin and Bonnie Coleman.

Ben is survived by his wife Jeanne of the home; one daughter Kathy Lee Borg (Ken) Prescott Valley, AZ; Step-daughter Connie Beasley (Jeff) Nixa, MO; Step-son, Rick Hoover (Elizabeth) Spring, TX; Granddaughter Shannon Groll (Chris) Maricopa, AZ; Grandson Chris Jeffrey (Delia) Seekonk, MA; Step-granddaughter Jordan Beasley of Ozark, MO; Step-grandson Brandon Hoover Springfield, MO and Step-grandson Mark Hoover Springfield, MO and Great grandchildren McKenna Kemble (Blake) Okinawa USN; Michael Jeffrey MA; Step-great granddaughter Savannah Groll AZ; Brother Harold Lee Louisville, KY; Sisters Joyce Wheeler (Carroll) Greenville, KY; Sandra Butterworth Shreveport, LA and JoAnn McIntosh (Thelbert) Seymour, IN and Sister-in-law Evangeline Lee St. Charles, MO along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Melissa Gaines, MD; Haven Hospice & Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home for the wonderful caring and kindness shown during this time. Ben was treated with the utmost respect and dignity, of which he deserved. Mask mandated graveside services with full military honors will be held at 2 PM on Monday, March 15th, 2021 at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens with Chaplain Dean Tlustos of Haven Hospice officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com