Lesley "Lee" Bledsoe

Lesley "Lee" Bledsoe, 88, of Zion, Illinois passed away on May 19, 2026 in Waukegan, Illinois. 

Lee was born on July 21, 1937, in Jay, Oklahoma, the son of William Cecil and Inez (Wolfkill) Bledsoe. Lee graduated from Jay, Oklahoma, High School and then joined the United States Navy. He retired from there after thirty years as a chief machinist's mate. He married Della Jean Hale on March 1, 1977, in Waukegan, Illinois. Together they owned and operated Al's Tap in Beach Park, Illinois, for 48 years. He was a life member of the VFW, Moose Club in Zion, Illinois, Fleet Reserve Association, and American Legion. He was an avid reader of history books and enjoyed watching western movies and listening to old country music.

 Lee is survived by his children: Robert (Lariza) Swidersky, Diana (Barry) Ford, Glenda Waneck, and June (Randy) Mink; daughter-in-law, Judy Starling; twelve grandchildren: Randy, Kaitlyn, Darren, Christopher, Amber, Jessica, Michael, Lesley, Joseph Jr., Aaron, Adam, and John; twenty-six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way; brother, Ernie Bledsoe; sister, Shirley Potts; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his children Joseph Starling and Pamela Starling; his wife, Della Bledsoe; his parents, William and Inez Bledsoe; his brothers, Bill Bledsoe and Donnie Bledsoe; and infant sisters, Carmen and Marilyn.

 Graveside services will be on Saturday, June 6, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kirkville Cemetery in Marietta, Mississippi. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie, Mississippi will be in charge of arrangements. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the VFW, 1112 Sheridan Rd., Winthrop Harbor, Illinois.